Presidents hail reopening of Larsi checkpoint
By Anna Arzanova

The Messenger, Georgia
25 Oct. 2004

Shortly after meeting at the Georgian-Armenian border crossing of
Sadakhlo on Friday, the presidents of Armenia and Georgia, turned their
attention to the Larsi crossing to Russia, where Russian officials had
just resumed traffic after a halt of over 7 weeks.

“This is fortuitous and a pleasant coincidence. I think that the fact
that this road will be opened, already points to the fact that the
tension in North Ossetia is being alleviated,” Armenian President
Robert Kocharian said at the briefing Friday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the Georgian Border Service announced that it had
received appropriate letters from Russian colleagues indicating the
border would be returned to full operation.

Since September 1, as a result of the Beslan hostage siege, Russian
official have blocked traffic at the Larsi crossing.

On four brief occasions, traffic was allowed to cross. Meanwhile, the
Roki crossing going into South Ossetia was kept open, although Georgian
officials refused to allow cargo to enter on this route.

According to Kocharian, the blocking of the Larsi checkpoint was very
harmful for both Armenia and Georgia, and even Russia itself. Without
saying how much of an affect the closure had on Armenia, Kocharian said
the move brought nothing favorable for their countries.

Saakashvili, for his part said that the “recent lesson” at Larsi would
be taken to heart.

“We have to understand that in case such problems are created, all of
Georgia’s business entities and exporters must be ready to look for
other alternative consumer markets in order to avoid the impact of such
acts on Armenia and Georgia,” the Georgian president said, adding, they
all should “try to remain in the Russian market as well.”

The Larsi crossing is the only land-route to Russia controlled by
Georgian authorities. A similar crossing between Russia and Azerbaijan
was also closed after the Beslan siege. According to reports, Russian
officials allowed both crossings to reopen on Friday.