I can guarantee that nothing is being done to reopen the Abkhazian railway. No such talks are being held, Georgia's State Ministry for Reconciliation and Civic Equality Paata Zakareishvili told Georgian journalists when asked to comment on the recent statement by Armenia's Deputy Transport and Communication Minister Artur Arakelyan, who said that "there will be good news on the Abkhazian railroad soon."
Zakareishvili said that this problem is on the same level as it was two years ago and even earlier, "that is, nothing is being done and no talks are being held."
Georgian Economy Minister Georgy Kvirikashvili said the same. He said that Arakelyan referred to the words by the CEO of the Russian Railways. But this is not true as no talks - even confidential - are being conducted.
According to Georgian mass media, in late Oct 2012 the newly appointed State Minister for Reintegration said that the Georgian authorities were ready to restart railway contacts with Russia through the Abkhazian section as a step to "deisolate Abkhazia." A month later he said that the issue was closed almost immediately as Abkhazia showed no interest in it.
Railway traffic between Georgia and Russia through Abkhazia was stopped after the conflict of 1992-1993. Reopening of the Abkhazian railway is crucial for Armenia as this is the shortest and cheapest way to Russia.