Georgia bans export of Armenian matsun through its territoryFebruary 8, 2022 - 11:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian dairy product matsun with such labeling cannot be exported to Russia via Georgia since the latter has registered “matsoni” as its geographical indication. A geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. In order to function as a GI, a sign must identify a product as originating in a given place. The Armenian Ministry of Economy said on Monday, February 7 that as in the case of cognac and champagne in France, the name "matsoni" is registered in Georgia as a geographical indication, Armenpress reports. Armenia has informed dairy producers that the name "matsun" sounds similar to "matsoni" registered in Georgia, which may cause problems when exporting products with this name through the territory of Georgia. “Back in 2011, the intellectual property authorities of Armenia filed an objection against the registration of the name “matsoni” to the relevant bodies of the European Union and Georgia, arguing that this name can be confused with matsun produced in Armenia. However, the objection was not taken into account,” said the press secretary of the Minister of Economy, Gayane Antonyan. Antonyan said, however, that the government is taking steps to clarify with the Georgian side the use of geographical indications. Top stories Yerevan has dismissed Turkey’s demand to shut down the Armenian nuclear power plant as “inappropriate”. Armenia will loan 2.9 billion drams to Nagorno Karabakh (Artsakh), according to a draft government decision. The Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan has “strongly condemned” Armenia’s decision. Kerobyan has said that for the first time in the history of Armenia, the volume of foreign direct investments amounted to about $1 billion. Partner news | Lithuania sending €100,000 to help Armenia fight floods consequences Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan took to social media to thank his Lithuanian counterpart for the contribution. U.S. “deeply troubled” by Azerbaijan's arrest of civil society members The United States is deeply troubled by the continued arrest of members of Azerbaijani civil society, Matthew Miller has said. Turkey condemns Uruguay’s recognition of Armenian Genocide Turkey has condemned a newly passed law in Uruguay that recognizes the Armenian Genocide, TRT reports. For the first time, Armenia votes in favor of Georgia resolution in UN Armenia on Tuesday, June 4 voted for the first time in favor a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. |