Yerevan should not exacerbate Armenian-Georgian relations

PanARMENIAN.Net - In view of the current complicated processes in the region, it is very dangerous to exacerbate Armenian-Georgian relations by raising the issue Samtskhe-Javakheti, Stepan Grigoryan, Head of Globalization and Regional Cooperation Analytical centre told a press conference in Yerevan. "Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili came to Armenian to resolve issues which were important for him. The Armenian side proposed its questions, i.e. communication problems, particularly, the issue of "Upper Lars" checkpoint and tariffs for Armenian freight," Armenian expert stressed.



Georgia has now proposed the idea of "Caucasian House" and wants to see the region independent of third forces' intervention. "It's still difficult to say what will be the benefit Saakashvili's visit but we can't deny the existence of Samtskhe Javakheti problem in Armenian-Georgian relations. That's a problem that needs to be resolved through dialogue, negotiations and mutual understanding," Grigoryan said. Following the war in August 2008, Georgia's political elite is in a hard psychological condition, the expert noted, adding that there is currently no need to exacerbate the situation by making tough statements.



As regards the situation with "Upper Lars" checkpoint, Grigoryan said that its opening is out of the question at present as Moscow and Tbilisi are unlikely to reach agreement over the issue in the nearest future.