Russian School Taken Hostage

[nairi]

Armen jan, can you tell me more about the transport crisis between Armenia, Georgia and Russia? Or give links? I must have missed this. Thanks for the rest.

[Armen]

Here Nairi jan,

 

http://www.azg.am/?lang=EN&num=2004100902

 

Also here:

 

http://groong.usc.edu/news/msg94804.html

 

The Messenger, Georgia

Oct 8 2004

 

Larsi closure affects Georgian-Armenian relations

By M. Alkhazashvili

 

Following the Beslan tragedy, Russia closed the Larsi border crossing

in the Kazbegi region: it is still not possible for either people or

goods to cross the border from Georgia to Russia at this checkpoint,

and it remains unknown when the checkpoint will be reopened.

 

The closure of the Larsi border crossing has caused enormous problems

for Georgia, and for Armenia too. According to Georgian Customs data,

the damage to Georgia as a result of the border closure already stood

at GEL 2.5 million by October 1, and that figure continues to rise.

The newspaper Akhali Taoba reports that it has had an even greater

impact on the Armenian economy.

 

The head of the Russian Federation council Sergei Miropnov stated

that Russia's decision to close Larsi checkpoint will be met by

Armenian side with understanding. Mironov stressed that this decision

was not aimed against Armenia's interests.

 

Russia has not closed the Roki tunnel, however, which connects Russia

with South Ossetia, and this is now the only route from Georgia into

Russia.

 

It is through the Roki tunnel that for years smuggled goods have

found their way onto the Georgian market. Georgia has repeatedly

called for Russian authorities to jointly control the tunnel, but in

vain.

 

What this means today is that transportation which used to pass

through Larsi must now pass through the Roki tunnel. While there are

few complications passing from South Ossetia to Russia, however,

entering South Ossetia from Georgia is more difficult, as the route

is tightly controlled by Georgian border guards, police and customs.

 

Although Russia claims the move is to prevent further terrorist

attacks, few in Georgia believe this, and see the closure as intended

solely to put pressure on Georgia. They believe that the redirection

of traffic from Kazbegi to South Ossetia is intended to reopen the

smuggling route and to create tension between Georgia and Armenia.

 

While it is unclear whether smuggling has actually increased since

the Larsi closure, it does seem that Georgian-Armenian relations are

being affected.

 

According to Armenian sources, the Georgian side does not allow

transportation to pass from Roki tunnel, although recently three

passenger buses and two trucks with supplies for the Armenian nuclear

electric power station were allowed to pass through the Roki tunnel

after some negotiations.

[nairi]

Ah thank you! I'll be keeping my eyes open for more.