We don't believe there was reason or need to spend such huge amounts of money to build a new railroad where one already exists, ready to be used. We have always advocated reopening the existing Kars-Gyumri-Tbilisi rail line, and have even offered that it be utilized by Turkey, by Georgia, and by Azerbaijan, without Armenian engagement. This has been done with no
pre-conditions and no expectations of financial benefit.
 
Economically, such a new railroad can not damage Armenia. Politically, this is not a farsighted project, and that is supported by the fact that neither the US nor the EU has supported its construction. Such steps in such a fragile region can only worsen the political atmosphere and in turn reflect negatively on reconciliation efforts.