Georgia’s Former Lobbyist in Congress Supports Tbilisi Over Abkhazia, Pankisi

(Tbilisi, January 24, 2003. Civil Georgia) – Georgia’s former lobbyist in the US Congress Paul Joel criticized Russia’s unilateral decision to reopen railway with breakaway Abkhazia.

Speaking at the briefing in Tbilisi Joel stated that Russia’s decision hinders peace process.

He expressed support to the anti-crime operation carried out by the Georgian law enforcement agencies and stated that US administration will never support Russia’s possible pre-emptive strikes in the gorge.

Russian media sources reported on January 23 that the US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage stated in the interview to the Echo Moskvi radio station that US would not criticize Russia for pre-emptive strikes in Georgia.

Paul Joel said that Richard Armitage would not have made such a statement. “I think it is the result of the incorrect translation,” Paul Joel said.