Georgian president hopes Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project to be completed by end 2013
Georgian president Mikheil Saakashvili spoke in defense of Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway project, calling it a "revolutionary project", AzerTac state news agency reported on Thursday.
"I hope that by the end of 2013 this project will be finished. This is a historic opportunity for our two countries, our doors to Europe, our entry into the European continent. That's why I think any impediments to the project contrary to our national interests. This could be a disaster. Therefore, to question this project is a crime," Saakashvili said.
He believes that this project has not an alternative."The opposite actions can be a betrayal to our national interests. I have no doubt that this project is our way into Europe and NATO, and it will be completed in an atmosphere of close collaboration. At the same time, our partner and friend Turkey also plays an important role in this. I have no doubt that this project will be completed," Saakashvili said.
It should be noted that for the actual claims for NATO member status the two countries, according to the statute of the alliance, need in some way to restore their territorial integrity.