U.Lars-Kazbegi Checkpoint's Opening Remains Questionable

[Jabejian Elizabeth]

U.LARS-KAZBEGI CHECKPOINT'S OPENING REMAINS QUESTIONABLE

Aysor
Nov 3 2009
Armenia

There hadn't been any negotiations between Georgian and Russian
officials in Yerevan, said Georgia's Deputy Foreign Minister Nino
Kalandadze at brief-conference in Tbilisi. However some media
outlets reported yesterday that Georgian and Russian officials held
secret talks in Yerevan on opening of U.Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint at
Georgia-Russia border.

"Our diplomats had no any negotiations with Russian counterparts in
Yerevan," said Nino Kalandadze adding that the issue was addressed
during the meeting with Armenian officials. According to Georgian
Deputy Foreign Minister U.Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint's opening is "a
very important issue for Armenian side that is why there were some
consolations in Yerevan."

U.Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint was closed by decision of Russia's parties in
July 2006 due to necessary repairs and its equipment in accordance with
modern standards. Meanwhile absence of diplomatic relations between
Russia and Georgia inhibited U.Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint's repairing
and opening. Georgia's President Mikhail Saakashvili said during his
visit to Armenia that Georgia was ready to open cargo transit service
if Moscow gave its agreement.