15 Armenian Citizens Found in Russian-Georgian Neutral Zone

The Armenian Embassy in Georgia has reported that 15 Armenian citizens had been located in the neutral zone between the Russian and Georgian borders for several days.

The authorities in Armenia, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Georgia, have repeatedly urged Armenian citizens not to approach the Verin Lars checkpoint, as entry into Georgia is prohibited for foreigners.

On May 12, embassy diplomats visited the Verin Lars checkpoint and met with the Armenian citizens, providing them with food and essential supplies. The embassy maintained constant communication with the citizens, informing them of the emergency restrictions in Georgia, urging them to return to Russia and wait for the reopening of the border. However, the citizens did not heed these recommendations.

The Georgian authorities issued a deadline for the citizens to leave the area after multiple requests to vacate the neutral zone, which was disrupting the normal operations of the border checkpoint. Last night, the Armenian citizens left the neutral zone and are now in Russian territory.

We once again urge Armenian citizens not to approach the Verin Lars checkpoint, but to follow the announcements from the embassy. The embassy will issue a relevant statement upon the reopening of the border.