Deputy Minister: The issue of extending the Upper Lars checkpoint operation is under consideration

ArmInfo. Armenia is actively working with its Georgian colleagues for a long-term and comprehensive solution to the problem with the accumulation of vehicles at the Upper Lars checkpoint. Discussed including the transition to a more extended mode of operation. Answering the question of ArmInfo, Armenian Deputy Economy Minister Avag Avanesyan said this on June 28 in the fields of the Armenian-Georgian business forum.

According to Avanesyan, the problem of traffic congestion at the checkpoint concerns not only Armenia, but also countries using this logistics hub. As of today, the deputy minister said that there is an operational connection between the RA Ministry of Economy and the Upper Lars checkpoint, and if there are problems with the Armenian business entities at the customs point, the ministry responds to them promptly and they are solved within one or two days.

However, the Armenian authorities are working with the Georgian authorities to resolve this issue. At the same time, as he pointed out, various ways of solving the problem are being considered - from the improvement of infrastructures to the introduction of an insurance institution in the winter season.  When asked whether the Armenian side is going to discuss with the Georgian and Russian colleagues the issue of establishing a more extended mode of operation of the checkpoint during the holiday season, Avag Avanesyan, refraining from details, said that the discussions were in progress.

Recall that the only land route connecting Armenia with Russia passes through the Upper Lars checkpoint.  Automobile congestion problems arise both in the winter season and in the summer, due to the limited capacity of the customs point, icy conditions, heavy rains and landslides on the Mtskheta-Stepantsminda- Lars highway, and the end of the working day at customs officers at 19; 00, and then at 18; 00.