Georgian minister says Russia closed border in bid to destabilize South Ossetia

Channel 1, Tbilisi
10 Jul 06

[Presenter] After meeting an EU delegation, Minister of State Goga
Khaindrava has commented on the situation at Ergneti [checkpoint on
the South Ossetian border through which mainly Russian and Armenian
citizens have been trying to enter Georgian government-controlled
territory since Russia decided on 8 July to close the only border
crossing between the two countries recognized by Georgia]. He said that
the Russian and Ossetian sides were deliberately whipping up tension.

[Khaindrava] This is a well-thought-out plan. It is clear to everyone
that all these people will then try to come here through Roki [on the
South Ossetian section of the Georgian-Russian border]. Naturally, we
will oppose this because we cannot allow the uncontrolled crossing of
our borders by criminals of all stripes and colours. This will cause
the situation to deteriorate. That is what they have been counting on.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress