The checkpoint will reopen in March, Minister says

The Kazbegi-Zemo Larsi border checkpoint between Russia and Georgia will probably be reopened at the beginning of March 2010, stated Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze at a briefing on 24 December.

Kalandadze stated that another round of negotiations between Russia and Georgia, with the mediation of diplomats from the Swiss Embassy, was held on 23 December. All the principal issues were discussed. A formal protocol on border reopening will be drafted within the next two weeks. “The checkpoint reopening will meet not only the transit interests of our neighbour country [Armenia], but also the interests of Georgian citizens and their goods. It will not just provide a transit mechanism for our neighbour,” stated Nino Kalandadze.

The Minister also stated that initially the Russian side had hoped to demand strict conditions for the reopening of the checkpoint which the Georgian side would not have accepted. However after it became clear that Georgia was ready to help Russia's ally Armenia the imposition of such conditions became meaningless. The most feasible date for reopening the border is the beginning of March 2010, although the forthcoming protocol will give the exact date.

Georgian political analyst Ramaz Sakvarelidze has told The Messenger, “On the one hand I welcome any kind of border reopening or liberalisation which will help improve relations and trade with Russia. However on the other hand if Russia will not remove visa restrictions for Georgian citizens or its embargo on Georgian goods, the opening of the checkpoint will only serve Armenia's interests. In addition goods being transited should be subject to customs control, as Russia might provide weapons for Armenia through this checkpoint and this will impact on Azeri-Georgian relations.”

The Kazbegi-Zemo Larsi border checkpoint was closed by Russia in July 2006.