BAKU CONCERNED ABOUT OPENING LARSI CHECKPOINT

The Messenger
March 5 2010
Georgia

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Eldar Mammadyarov has expressed concern
about the opening of a direct land connection between Russia and
Armenia via Georgia through the Larsi checkpoint. Azerbaijani’s concern
is based on the fact that through this connection Moscow could supply
Yerevan with military cargo designed for the 102nd Russian military
base located in Gumri, Armenia. If Azerbaijan receives information
that Armenia is being supplied with arms through this route Baku will
immediately react and ask Tbilisi for explanations.

The Russian media reports that Baku is thinking of taking "adequate
measures" against Georgia in response to the Larsi checkpoint opening.

Energy and investment projects and the issue of Abkhazia and South
Ossetia may be affected by these.