Tactical maneuvers on Upper Lars

Recently the Georgian Foreign Ministry disproved the fact of Georgian-Russian talks allegedly held in Yerevan on resumption of traffic via Upper Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint. Deputy FM Nino Kalandadze told journalists: "Unfortunately there is disinformation on the Russian part that Tbilisi allegedly held talks with Moscow on resumption of traffic on Upper Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint. We do not hold any negotiations with the Russian side".

Where did the media get the information on Georgia's readiness to open Upper Lars checkpoint for Armenia with reference to that same press conference with Kalanadze? The thing is that at the press conference she also stated that "in reality Georgia started technical consultations on resumption of traffic via Upper Lars-Kazbegi with Armenia". "Armenia is interested to have the Georgian-Russian border open and we started these consultations upon agreement on technical talks with the Armenian side », - she remarked.

That means the negotiations are underway but not directly with Russia (since it's denominated only as "aggressor" or "occupant" in Tbilisi) but with Russia through Armenia. 

It's just another confirmation that Caucasus is a really "delicate matter". Why not state directly: yes, the negotiations are in progress. After all grudges are grudges but there can't be any emotions in politics. To a certain extent this is a step toward dialogue with Russia the whole Georgian society keeps pressing for. The opening of this checkpoint will strengthen Georgian-Armenian relations that haven't been absolutely cloudless of late. It is Armenia that benefits from the checkpoint start-up.

Because of deteriorated Georgian-Russian relations Armenia was forced into isolation. Armenia can communicate with Russia only through Georgia (the borders with neighboring Azerbaijan are shut because of Karabakh, and diplomatic relations with Turkey were restored a short while ago).

But even opposition deputies state it's not worthwhile to open the checkpoint between Russia and Georgia. This statement, as Georgian media report, was made by Nica Laliashvili, a parliamentary deputy of the Christian-Democratic faction.

 "Opening the Upper Lars-Kazbegi checkpoint will give a chance for rehabilitation of the infrastructure which will have a positive impact on local population. However it's a menace too. There are tense processes going on in North Caucasus and the opening of this checkpoint might bring armed groups to the territory of Georgia. There is no unique and immediate solution to this issue. The authorities must assume responsibility not in a TV show format but within the work process", - Laliashvili stated.

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