16:26, 18 June 2004

Georgian minister touches on Abkhazian issue, appeals to economic indicators

"Against the background of economic transformations taking place in Georgia, unsettled relations with South Osetia and Abkhazia have a negative effect on the Georgian economy as a whole," said Georgian Economy Minister Kakha Bendukidze.

"We don't segregate problems of South Osetia and Abkhazia, but some differences do exist," the minister noted. "Though the return of South Osetia will require certain resources, much more resources will be spent to regain control over Abkhazia," he said.

Mr Bendukidze also noted that "abstracting from the political constituent of the problem of restoring Georgia's territorial integrity, the Abkhazian issue is an obstacle in the development of the national economy". Then the minister added he advocated giving Abkhazia as many rights within the Georgian state as possible.

"Had Abkhazia been excluded from Georgia today, it would have had more positive effect on our economy than the situation of the ongoing conflict and serious political statements," Mr Bendukidze said noting he "appeals to economic indicators."

Source: REGNUM News Agency