ArmInfo.A number of representatives of the Armenian authorities considered the situation at the Upper Lars checkpoint to be political pressure, d there are those who do not think so. This was stated on December 6 during a weekly briefing by official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova, commenting on the situation with Armenian trucks at the Upper Lars checkpoint and allegations that this is political pressure on Armenia.
"And the second point, which proves that this is not the opinion of the entire country and especially the entire political establishment of Armenia, is that recently consultations were held through the Eurasian Economic Commission. It took place within the framework of a dialogue between the relevant departments of the two countries, precisely on questions that arose among Armenian colleagues regarding the passage of goods through the Upper Lars checkpoint, as well as the supply of Armenian agricultural products. The meetings were substantive, constructive in nature, a set of measures was discussed on both sides to find mutually acceptable solutions. There were and are mechanisms that can and should be used in case of problems arise. This is happening now," she said.
At the same time, Zakharova advised politicians who believe that political pressure is being exerted on Yerevan to read the Armenian media and think about whether pressure is being exerted on the Russian side through insults, the spread of fakes and disinformation. "Always look in mirror before blaming others," Zakharova concluded. On November 27, RA Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan announced that Armenia plans to discuss the problem of cargo supplies from Armenia to Russia through the Upper Lars checkpoint on the Georgian- Russian border within the EAEU. "We are studying the materials of Rosselkhoznadzor to understand to what extent the products of our businessmen do not comply with the current sanitary standards in Russia. We have convened a meeting within the EAEU, which will take place within two days," Kerobyan noted.
The minister emphasized that it is surprising that during the whole year 35 trucks were returned from the border, while in the last two days alone this number has already exceeded 40 trucks. According to him, the Armenian side and their Russian colleagues will try to understand what has changed in regulation, which led to tightening of supervision. At the same time, Kerobyan admitted that the current situation may become a reason for Armenian producers to reconsider export directions and search for new markets. On November 28, Rosselkhoznadzor issued a statement in which it indicated a sharp increase in supplies of pest-infested crop products from Armenia. This year, harmful organisms were detected in Armenian flower and fruit and vegetable products in 72 cases. "At the same time, a sharp increase in violations was recorded in November. In the period between November 24 and November 26 alone, 36 cases of importation of infected flowers, cucumbers, dried fruits, grapes, cauliflower, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, apples, pears were found in Russia, which received accompanied by phytosanitary certificates issued by the food safety inspection body of Armenia," the press release stated.
Rosselkhoznadzor sent an official letter to Armenia with a request to immediately take comprehensive measures to prevent shipments of contaminated products to Russia and to inform the Russian department about the work carried out. As a result of the actions of the Russian side, over 1 thousand trucks accumulated on the Russian section of the Georgian-Russian border, some of which began to return.
