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TBILISI: Georgia, Armenia concerned about Russian border closure

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  • TBILISI: Georgia, Armenia concerned about Russian border closure

    Georgia, Armenia concerned about Russian border closure

    Rustavi-2 TV, Tbilisi
    30 Sep 04

    [Presenter] The situation at the Lars checkpoint [on the
    Russian-Georgian border] was discussed at the constituent meeting of
    the Georgian-Armenian business association, which was held today at
    the Courtyard Marriott [hotel in Tbilisi].

    The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Zurab Zhvania and the
    president's wife Sandra Roelofs.

    Member of parliament Beso Jugheli will be the Georgian co-chairman
    of the association.

    The event was also attended by business people and members of
    parliament from Armenia.

    Georgians and Armenians both complained about Russia's decision to
    close the Lars checkpoint, which has created problems for ordinary
    people and businesses alike. Armenian businessmen asked the Georgian
    prime minister to deal with this problem but Zurab Zhvania reminded
    them that he was not Russia's prime minister.

    [Armenian businessman, no caption, addressing Zhvania in Russian]
    I have 510 vehicles waiting at Nizhniy Lars, 510 vehicles waiting
    for 15 days now. Will this border ever reopen?

    [Zhvania] If you had Mikhail Yefimovich Fradkov standing in front
    of you, it would probably be worth asking him this question. There
    is full readiness on the part of Georgia for the border to open
    completely and operate properly.

    You have mentioned vehicles, so I must tell you that late last night
    I received a telephone call from the Armenian ambassador, who told me
    that women and children there literally had to stay in the field. I
    must also say that, after I informed him about our conversation with
    the ambassador, President Saakashvili, in contravention of all border,
    customs and other regulations, took the decision to ensure free passage
    for them. This problem is gradually becoming very serious indeed. I
    hope that your vehicles are safe and will reach their destination.
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