GEORGY KHAINDRAVA: GEORGIA WILL NOT BENEFIT FROM OPENING OF UPPER LARS

ArmInfo
2010-03-09 20:45:00

ArmInfo. Actually, the Upper Lars check-point is open only for
Armenia, and Georgia will not benefit from it, said Georgy Khaindrava,
former state minister for conflict resolution of Georgia, one of
the leaders of United Opposition, during today’s television bridge
Yerevan-Tmilisi-Moscow

He said that to enter the territory of Russia, Georgian citizens are
to undergo a very complicated procedure of visa reception, therefore,
it will be practically impossible for Georgian citizens to use this
check-point. Moreover, the Russian market is closed for Georgia, and
no Georgian commodities can enter the Russian market. Khaindrava said
that there is anti-Russian hysteria in Georgia about the occupants, and
Moscow is dead set against any contacts with the Georgian leadership
headed by Saakashvili. "So, I do not understand what contacts may be
between the people that call each other occupants and aggressors",-
said the Georgian oppositionist.

He also expressed his concern about the fact that as a result of an
agreement, the Georgian customs officers are deprived of the right to
check the cargoes going from Russia to Armenia in transit. "We think
that this road aims to supply the Russian military base in Gyumri.

There are no other economic premises for Yerevan here",- he said.

To recall, the Kazbegi-Upper Lars check-point did not operate for
3 years. It was closed by the decision of the Russian party for
reconstruction. The check-point was opened on 1 march 2010. The talks
on opening of the Upper Lars were also held in Armenia, via mediation
of official Yerevan.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress