Georgia Denies Discussions on Railway Connection with Russia

The Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Garibashvili, has stated that Tbilisi has not conducted negotiations with Russia regarding the restoration of diplomatic relations or the resumption of railway communication. He emphasized that there has been no contact on these issues.

Garibashvili made this remark in response to journalists' questions, clarifying whether there had been any 'informal' communication with the Russian side. The Prime Minister noted that if there are new developments in this direction, the government will provide the relevant information to the public.

On February 12, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk announced that the possibility of restoring railway communication between Russia and Georgia through the territory of Abkhazia was under discussion.

Georgia and Russia do not have diplomatic relations. Dialogue continues in the format of Geneva discussions. Tbilisi severed diplomatic relations with Moscow on August 26, 2008, after Russia recognized the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Georgia does not recognize the sovereignty of these territories, considering them occupied.