October 4, 2010 - 14:38 AMT
Tbilisi explains Upper Lars closure by technical problems, not revenge

Georgian Foreign Minister Grigol Vashadze said that official Tbilisi has given neither written nor verbal instructions with respect to Upper Lars checkpoint closure.

For his part, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said that the issue of the checkpoint was discussed during a meeting with Vashadze, while the Georgian side explained its closure by technical reasons.

“Upper Lars checkpoint is open or will be opened in a couple of hours,” Nalbandian said during a joint press conference with his Georgian counterpart in Yerevan.

Vashadze noted that neither he, nor the Armenian Foreign Minister can control customs service’s activity. “I made a call to Tbilisi today in the morning and can say that the checkpoint operates now. Shortly I will be able to definitely state that the first car has already crossed Upper Lars,” he said.