Bibilashvili: opening of railway would amount to de facto recognition of Abkhazia

Zaza Bibilashvili, founder of the Chavchavadze Centre, has claimed that the opening of a railway line through the Russian-occupied Georgian region of Abkhazia would amount to the de facto recognition of the region.

“Opening this railway would, among other things, mean the de facto recognition of Abkhazia. [Ruling Georgian Dream founder] Bidzina Ivanishvili has been speaking about reopening the railway for years. In this context, we should recall the so-called customs facility built in Gali, beyond the Enguri, and also consider the abolition of Sokhumi University. We should also view in this context the so-called apology campaign that Ivanishvili shockingly proposed to the entire country in 2024,” Bibilashvili said.

He added that, given these developments, such a scenario should be expected.

“Beyond and on this side of the Enguri, Georgia today is unfortunately controlled by Russia,” he stated.

The comments come after Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister said that the restoration of railway traffic between Russia and Georgia via Abkhazia was under consideration. Georgian Railway has denied the claim, stating that there are no discussions on the matter.