Approximately 1200 Trucks Blocked from Traveling to Upper Lars or Returning to Armenia: Opposition MP Raises Alarm

Approximately 1200 trucks have been standing in a 5-6 kilometer queue for an extended period on the outskirts of Georgia's capital. This statement was made by Garnik Danielyan, an MP from the 'Armenia' faction, during the parliamentary announcements session. Notably, he has taken up his parliamentary mandate today.

"They are not being allowed to continue their journey towards Georgia through Upper Lars and their subsequent destinations. Basic living conditions are lacking, and they are not permitted to return to Armenia. I am in daily contact with the drivers," the MP stated.

According to him, due to this blockade, the crops cultivated by tens of thousands of farmers risk spoiling, and several international trade contracts may collapse.

Danielyan noted that for the past two days he has been unable to receive a detailed response from the Minister of Economy, Vahan Kerobyan.

It should be recalled that following the explosion on the Crimean Bridge, tightened control from the Russian side at the Upper Lars checkpoint has led to new multi-kilometer queues, as relevant services are conducting much more thorough and lengthy inspections of vehicles.

Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan does not rule out that the situation might somewhat improve after the opening of additional lanes at the checkpoint, which is expected in November.

Meanwhile, Minister of Territorial Administration and Infrastructure Gnel Sanosyan believes that with the worsening weather conditions, the capacity issue at the Upper Lars checkpoint will become more acute. The reason is that the Kobi-Gudauri section of the Mtskheta-Stepantsminda-Lars international highway is periodically closed due to the risk of avalanches.

This road is the only land route connecting Armenia and Russia.