S.Ossetia Protests Road Closure
Breakaway South Ossetian authorities has warned that Tskhinvali will resort to ?adequate measures? if the Georgian side refuses to reopen major road in the conflict zone, the South Ossetian Press and Information Committee reported on July 11.
In his letter sent to the co-chairman of the Joint Control Commission (JCC) on July 10, the breakaway region?s deputy Prime Minister Boris Chochiev said that armed groups from the Georgina law enforcement agencies have blocked the Trans Caucasus Highway in north of the South Ossetian capital Tskhinvali, where the Georgian villages are located.
Chochiev said that the Georgian side?s decision is a violation of agreements, envisaging free movement of people in the conflict zone.
The Georgian side announced on July 10 that it has heightened security to prevent movement via illegally operating Roki Tunnel in South Ossetia after Russia has closed down border crossing point in Zemo Larsi, which is the only legally operating border checkpoint between Georgia and Russia.
But later on July 10 Georgian Prime Minister Zurab Nogaideli said that the road will be temporarily opened before July 14 to let those citizens who were on their way back to Georgia enter the country.
On July 11 Boris Chochiev, who represents the South Ossetian side in the quadripartite negotiating body JCC, hailed Tbilisi?s decision and said that he hopes the reopening of the road ?will not be a temporary measure.”
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