Yerevan should not exacerbate Armenian-Georgian relationsJune 26, 2009 - 16:50 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - In view of the current complicated processes in the region, it is very dangerous to exacerbate Armenian-Georgian relations by raising the issue Samtskhe-Javakheti, Stepan Grigoryan, Head of Globalization and Regional Cooperation Analytical centre told a press conference in Yerevan. "Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili came to Armenian to resolve issues which were important for him. The Armenian side proposed its questions, i.e. communication problems, particularly, the issue of "Upper Lars" checkpoint and tariffs for Armenian freight," Armenian expert stressed.Georgia has now proposed the idea of "Caucasian House" and wants to see the region independent of third forces' intervention. "It's still difficult to say what will be the benefit Saakashvili's visit but we can't deny the existence of Samtskhe Javakheti problem in Armenian-Georgian relations. That's a problem that needs to be resolved through dialogue, negotiations and mutual understanding," Grigoryan said. Following the war in August 2008, Georgia's political elite is in a hard psychological condition, the expert noted, adding that there is currently no need to exacerbate the situation by making tough statements. As regards the situation with "Upper Lars" checkpoint, Grigoryan said that its opening is out of the question at present as Moscow and Tbilisi are unlikely to reach agreement over the issue in the nearest future. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Get Started: An educational platform for young startuppers The Get Started program which operates in two phases is an important platform for young startuppers. Byblos Bank Armenia celebrates Students' Day with scholarship recipients YSU students who received scholarships from Byblos Bank Armenia gathered in a casual setting to meet with the Bank's CEO, Hayk Stepanyan. Azerbaijan extends Rune Vardanyan’s arrest by 5 months A court in Azerbaijan has extended the arrest of former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan by five months. Armenia border residents dissatisfied with delimitation Residents Kirants are dissatisfied with the results of the delimitation of the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan. |