  In two recent articles [PRL 90, 026802 (2003); PRB 69, 085307 (2004)], we
developed a transport theory for an extended tunnel junction between two
interacting fractional-quantum-Hall edge channels, obtaining analytical results
for the conductance. Ponomarenko and Averin (PA) have expressed disagreement
with our theoretical approach and question the validity of our results
(cond-mat/0602532). Here we show why PA's critique is unwarranted.
