YEREVAN.- By opening the railway through Abkhazia, Georgian PM Ivanishvili wants to reduce dependence on Turkey and Azerbaijan, Armenian analyst says.

Earlier newly appointed Reintegration Minister Paata Zakareishvili said Georgia agrees to unblock Sochi-Sukhum-Kutaisi railway.

“During his trips to Armenia as a political analyst, Zakareishvili used to say Abkhazia’s de-isolation is the best option to solve the conflict,” Ruben Safrastyan, director of Institute of Oriental Studies, told reporters.

Opening of the railway will be beneficial for Georgia as it will have a new North-South transport corridor, unlike today’s West-East. This will also reduce dependence on Azerbaijan and Turkey and will cause the latter’s discontent.

Safrastyan recalled a large Turkish delegation visited Georgia after Ivanishvili’s victory to probe into conditions to be offered by new government.

Ivanishvili used to criticize Saakashvili for Turkey’s presence in Batumi, the expert said adding that now experienced businessman Ivanishvili will hardly impose restrictions on Turkey’s capital.

Photo by Sona Barseghyan/NEWS.am