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.