Regnum, Russia
Nov 24 2006
Gryzlov: Closing Upper Lars check-point has both political and
technical reasons
Deterioration of the Russian-Georgian relations creates difficulties
from economic point of view, Armenian National Assembly Speaker
Tigran Torosyan stated on November 23 at a meeting with Russian State
Duma Speaker Boris Gryzlov.
As REGNUM was informed at the Armenian parliamentary press office,
Tigran Torosyan stressed during the meeting that closing of Upper
Lars check-point led to considerable economic problems for the
Armenian side. He stressed that settlement of conflicts using
forceful methods is unacceptable in the modern world. According to
the Armenian parliament’s speaker, constructive position and
discussion of certain proposals should become the basis for
stabilization of the Russian-Georgian relations instead of mutual
accusations.
In its turn, Boris Gryzlov stressed that a draft statement containing
assessment of the situation is being discussed at the State Duma. He
informed that the abovementioned statement is planned to be passed in
early December 2006. Gryzlov stressed that the Russian side has kept
its word – it withdraws Russian military bases from the Georgian
territory; they will be completely withdrawn in 2008. Gryzlov pointed
out that the Russian side does the utmost in order to improve its
relations with Georgia; however, at the same time, it will not allow
a military clash in the conflict zone. Mentioning the Upper Lars
check-point, the Duma speaker explained that temporary closing of the
check-point has both political and technical reasons because there
was necessity of strengthening the check-point. Armenia will have no
such problems after the works are finished.