OPENING OF UPPER LARS IS MOSTLY BENEFICIAL FOR RUSSIA RATHER FOR ARMENIA: REZONANSI
Tert.am
20.05.10
The opening of the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Russo-Georgian border
in Kazbek has brought no single penny to Georgia’s state budget.
Armenia does not benefit from the opening of this checkpoint very much,
which cannot be said for Russia, which is the most interested party for
the opening of the checkpoint, reports Georgian Rezonansi newspaper.
Shota Buchukuri, a Georgian economist and member of Stepantsminda
non-governmental organization, says the Georgians were purposefully
lying while saying that the opening of Upper Lars would bring millions
to the state budget. What he points to is the fact that the rules of
payment for the shipment of loads vie this checkpoint was simplified
in 2006.
"As what concerns the Armenian side, it insists that the opening of
this checkpoint is not as important for Armenian exporters as the
routes passing through the Black Sea ports," said Buchukuri, adding
that 70% of Armenia’s exported goods is brandy – subject to excise
taxation – and therefore is not transported via Upper Lars checkpoint.
According to him the rest of goods exported from Armenia are apricot
and peach – seasonal produces that are transported within two months.
Besides the Armenian exporters say they are sick and tired of paying
officially binding and non-binding payments they are obliged to make
while transporting their produces via South Ossetia.
According to Buchukuri, it turns out that the opening of Upper Lars
is beneficial mostly for Russia that can transport food and ammunition
to its military base located in Armenian second-largest town of Gyumri.