GEORGIA EXPRESSES WILLINGNESS TO OPEN UPPER LARS CHECKPOINT FOR ARMENIA

/PanARMENIAN.Net/
02.11.2009 18:26 GMT+04:00

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Georgia’s Deputy FM Nino Kalandadze has denied
reports on direct talks with Russia for restoring Upper Lars
checkpoint. In the meantime, Georgian diplomat confirmed that technical
negotiations with Armenia continued.

"Considering that checkpoint opening is of key interest, we are ready
to make any concession. Even though Russia still creates certain
problems, we have agreed with Armenian side to start technical
negotiations which are already under way," civil.ge quotes Kalandadze
as saying.

Land communication between Georgia and Russia was blocked after
Russia’s closing the Upper Lars Checkpoint in 2006. The transit route
is also close to Armenia.

Georgian Foreign Ministry announced in May that Tbilisi was willing
to open Kazbegi – Upper Lars checkpoint. However, no decision was
made thereafter.