Rail link to Europe
17 March 2008
Work has begun on the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, with the presidents of Georgia, Azerbaijan and Turkey taking part in a ground-breaking ceremony in the Georgian village of Marabda in late November. When complete in 2010 the 105 km railway will provide a direct link between the former USSR territory of Georgia and Europe's railway network.
The US$ 600 million scheme comprises 29 km of line in Georgia and 76 km in Turkey. Azerbaijan's involvement is by way of a low interest 25-year loan of US$ 200 million for the Georgian portion of the link.
Although heralded as a major advance by all three countries' presidents, it is not without controversy. The scheme has been opposed by neighbouring Armenia, because of fears it will further isolate the land-locked country.
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