The Russian Foreign Ministry called on Georgia to accept Moscow decision to temporarily close down Zemo Larsi border crossing point for ?technical reconstruction? with understanding.
In an information note issued on July 11 Russian Foreign Ministry?s spokesman Mikhail Kaminin called on Georgia not ?to create obstacles? to border crossing process in other checkpoints located on the Russo-Georgian border.
The Zemo Larsi checkpoint, which was closed down by Russia on July 8, is the only legally operating border crossing point between Russia and Georgia. Two others are located in Abkhazia and South Ossetia and are considered by Tbilisi as illegal as they are beyond the Georgian side?s control.
The Georgian side has already accused Russia of deliberately closing down Zemo Larsi checkpoint in order to legalize Roki Tunnel which links breakaway South Ossetia with the Russian Federation.
Mikhail Kaminin also said that the Zemo Larsi checkpoint needs to be modernized, as ?this border crossing point was numerously used by trans-national criminal groups for smuggling drugs, mercenaries and weapons to Russia, including for terrorism purposes.?
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