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TBILISI: Presidents hail reopening of Larsi checkpoint

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  • TBILISI: Presidents hail reopening of Larsi checkpoint

    Presidents hail reopening of Larsi checkpoint
    By Anna Arzanova

    The Messenger, Georgia
    25 Oct. 2004

    Shortly after meeting at the Georgian-Armenian border crossing of
    Sadakhlo on Friday, the presidents of Armenia and Georgia, turned their
    attention to the Larsi crossing to Russia, where Russian officials had
    just resumed traffic after a halt of over 7 weeks.

    "This is fortuitous and a pleasant coincidence. I think that the fact
    that this road will be opened, already points to the fact that the
    tension in North Ossetia is being alleviated," Armenian President
    Robert Kocharian said at the briefing Friday afternoon.

    Earlier in the day, the Georgian Border Service announced that it had
    received appropriate letters from Russian colleagues indicating the
    border would be returned to full operation.

    Since September 1, as a result of the Beslan hostage siege, Russian
    official have blocked traffic at the Larsi crossing.

    On four brief occasions, traffic was allowed to cross. Meanwhile, the
    Roki crossing going into South Ossetia was kept open, although Georgian
    officials refused to allow cargo to enter on this route.

    According to Kocharian, the blocking of the Larsi checkpoint was very
    harmful for both Armenia and Georgia, and even Russia itself. Without
    saying how much of an affect the closure had on Armenia, Kocharian said
    the move brought nothing favorable for their countries.

    Saakashvili, for his part said that the "recent lesson" at Larsi would
    be taken to heart.

    "We have to understand that in case such problems are created, all of
    Georgia's business entities and exporters must be ready to look for
    other alternative consumer markets in order to avoid the impact of such
    acts on Armenia and Georgia," the Georgian president said, adding, they
    all should "try to remain in the Russian market as well."

    The Larsi crossing is the only land-route to Russia controlled by
    Georgian authorities. A similar crossing between Russia and Azerbaijan
    was also closed after the Beslan siege. According to reports, Russian
    officials allowed both crossings to reopen on Friday.
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