Yerevan /Mediamax/. Irakli Gogava, Georgian international relations expert and former advisor to ex-President of Ukraine Viktor Yushchenko, stated that Armenia needs to be involved in regional projects.

Mediamax’s own correspondent reports that commenting on the possibility of Georgian government’s selling of 25% of Georgian Railway shares, Irakli Gogava said in his interview to “Kviris Palitra” newspaper:

“In the market economy, it doesn’t matter whether Russia or Swaziland will buy the 25%. What is most important is that the government will retain the control over the railway or at least over 51% shares. I’m welcoming it if it’s linked to the resumption of the Abkhazian sector. It’s time for the Georgian politicians to grab calculators and make all the decision taking into account economic benefits”.

“The opening of railway through Abkhazia will bring at least USD300mln annual revenue to Georgia”, stated Irakly Gogava.

“Of course, Russia-Armenia link through the railway won’t be received by Azerbaijan with great ovations, which is why Georgia shouldn’t let transportation of Russian military cargoes through this road”, he added.

The expert thinks that besides the Abkhazian sector, “Iran-Armenia-Georgia-Russia and Adler-Tbilisi-Yerevan-Tabriz railway axis were also interesting projects”.

“If rationally tackled, it will attract Turkmenistan, Pakistan, India and Iraq to transport cargoes to Europe and backwards and will also enhance Russia’s interest in stability in the region”, said Gogava.