ArmInfo. 700 trucks are gathered at the Upper Lars border checkpoint on the Russian-Georgian border, 400 of which are coming to Armenia or going from Armenia, Minister of Transport of Armenia Vahan Martirosyan told journalists after the regular session of the government, during which Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan instructed to closely follow and control the situation.
According to the Minister he has visited border checkpoint and talked to drivers. "Georgian partners exert all the efforts to clean the road from snow as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we can do nothing with the weather. There has not been such a heavy snowfall for a long time. Let's wait till the weather improves", Martirosyan noted. According to him the situation on the checkpoint is complex, many are discontented, and others are satisfied with state officials' work. Most of the transport companies have their representatives on the checkpoint, who try to ease the situation of the people there.
Answering to ArmInfo's correspondent's question related to the results of the negotiations started in the end of June between Ministry of Transport and Georgian counterparts aimed at opening alternative road to Russia through South Ossetia Martirosyan assured that negotiation process is continuing, it is promising but not final.
Noteworthy, Upper Lars checkpoint on the border between Russia and Georgia has become the only land transport road connecting Armenia with Russia. The checkpoint often closes because of snow in winter and mudflow in spring, although the Georgian side has carried out a huge work for modernization of the road and ensuring safety of traffic.
Former Minister of Transport and Communications Gagik Beglaryan was stating in summer that it is possible to open the road through South Ossetia. "The road is in good condition, negotiations are being held both with Tbilisi and Moscow, however very little depends on Armenia in this issue".