The Situation at Lars is Weather-Dependent, Says Prime Minister

MP Hayk Gevorgyan posed a question to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, indicating that there is information regarding trucks loaded with goods that are stuck at Upper Lars. Gevorgyan inquired whether any actions are being taken regarding this issue.

Pashinyan responded that the situation is exclusively connected to weather conditions, stating, "We have agreements with both the Prime Minister of Georgia and the Prime Minister of Russia that we must carry out freight transportation normally while considering and managing the risks. Specifically, we have arranged that after crossing the border with Georgia, drivers will be escorted to Upper Lars, and we have also discussed with the Russian Prime Minister that freight transport will proceed in standard mode. You saw that it has snowed there as well, so we must wait."

The MP clarified that he is referring to goods at Upper Lars that may face delays potentially leading to price increases in terms of competitiveness. The Prime Minister noted that in such cases, the State Commission for the Protection of Economic Competition should intervene. He emphasized that consumers have the right to show a certain attitude towards companies that engage in such behavior: "Ultimately, reputation is the most important thing in the world. If people plan to jeopardize their ratings for a few thousand dollars... this coronavirus will end, right? It’s also a good time for companies to invest in their image and to foster a positive attitude among consumers." Pashinyan added, "In this regard, I believe our banks are working quite intensively and are showing an appropriate response to this situation. They are taking the initiative to restructure their credit histories."