Cargo detention on Russia-Georgia border harms Armenia-min
By Tigran Liloyan

ITAR-TASS News Agency
October 11, 2004 Monday

YEREVAN, October 12 — The detention of cargoes bound for Armenia on
the Russian-Georgian border has serious consequences for the republic,
Armenian Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan said in an interview on
the country’s Public Television.

According to Oskanyan, “a rather complicated situation has developed”
currently on this border. “Numerous motor vehicles that cannot drive
through to Armenia have crowded there,” the minister said.

Oskanyan stressed that talks at the very top level are being held in
order to solve the issue. He said, “There is an agreement to let pass
the crowded vehicles if only to ease the tension of the situation.”

In the minister’s view, “the developed situation is disadvantageous
to Russia, Georgia, Armenia and also to Azerbaijan.”

Oskanyan is positive that “the issue will be settled finally soon.”

After the terrorist attack in Beslan when automobile traffic was
stopped through the Russian-Georgian border, over 1,000 trucks bound
for Armenia amassed in Verkhny Lars.

The border closure resulted in serious difficulties for the economy
of Armenia that has no common border with Russia.

Verkhny Lars is the only land road linking the republic with Russia
by transit via Georgia.