Blog Archive

Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia Sign Railroad Agreement - Without Armenia



The United States tried to stop it, but apparently it has already begun. What has begun, you ask?
The first step for the Kars-Tbilisi-Baku railway line project named "Iron Silk Road" has been taken. The Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan, the Azerbaijani president Aliyev and the state president of Georgia Saakaşvili signed the historical agreement of the rail way line of Kars-Tbilisi-Baku which drives out Armenia. The project is anticipated to be finished in two years and around $420 million will be spent.

Armenia has been trying to prevent the the Azerbaijani president Aliyev and the state president of Georgia Saakaşvili signed the historical agreement of the rail way line of Kars-Tbilisi-Baku which drives out Armenia rail way line of Kars-Tbilisi-Baku for the reason that the railway line in the country will be disposed. But the project aged 14 years which will provide railway connection from Europe to the Middle Asia is driving out Armenia.
Wow, that was a poorly worded article.

Regardless, it seems Armenia may be out for good. Armenia repetedly attempted to develop relations with Turkey - without precondition, by the way - to get a chance at reopening the Kars-Gyumri section of the railroad, as it was economically very important for Armenia. But seeing as how we would be giving up much more and gaining much less in return, in terms of the recognition of the genocide and other conditions for Turkey, I'm happy with this outcome.

Source: Sabah

6 comments:

Arev Basevi said...

I find it a bit odd that Armenia (actually more so the diaspora) would choose to endorse historical and nationalist ideologies than have a world-integrated economy for its rather barren nation-state. We all choose our own paths I suppose and the Armenian nation has chosen economic isolation for its rather detached ideologies.

Rhyne said...

Artur,

First off, Armenia is not a barren nation-state. In fact, I would say it is the most vibrant in the region, whether in terms of economy or arts or otherwise.

Rather detached ideologies? The Armenian Genocide is the single most important event for our culture in the past century. We've been working 90+ years to resolve that which has remained a pain in our hearts.

Armenia is forming economic and political alliances with the rest of the world. Opening up relations will not suddenly make a huge transformation, as you seem to think so. In fact, I am of the belief that all Armenians everywhere should boycott Turkish products until an official recognition is in place.

Arev Basevi said...

Rhyne,

I understand that is the position of the majority of Armenians but it will lead to eventual doom. Armenia has, and always will have, a huge trade deficit.

The Armenian Genocide has been made into the most important event of our culture when it needn't be. We are not the first nor the last culture to have been uprooted. It takes a really keen eye to see it from a much broader perspective and focus on a more radiant future rather than a dim past.

My concern for Armenia's isolation is not so much for its economy. It is for its political stance of having two fronts of hostility. How long will we continue with such an unyielding stance towards two larger and more powerful neighbors, hoping that Russia and other foreign powers will sustain us? That has historically failed and will do so again. (See Cilician Armenia).

Rhyne said...

Without going back and forth in the comments section, let it suffice to say that I do not share your cynicism.

Cheers!

Arev Basevi said...

Indeed. Cheers!

Anonymous said...

Although it is hard to face, Arthur has a point. There comes a time when, one must take the high road and shed the stigmas and tribulations of the past.