Options Offered for the Return of 35 Armenian Citizens from Upper Lars

The Armenian Consulate General in Rostov has issued a statement regarding the citizens of the Republic of Armenia currently at the Upper Lars border checkpoint. The statement reads: "We inform you that there are approximately 35 Armenian citizens at the Upper Lars checkpoint who wish to return to Armenia in their own vehicles."

The consulate reiterated that due to the rapid spread of the new type of coronavirus, the Georgian authorities have declared a state of emergency, and the Russian-Georgian border remains closed to foreign citizens.

Given this situation, the Armenian Consulate General in Rostov has proposed to organize the return of Armenian citizens through upcoming flights from Sochi to Yerevan and Krasnodar to Yerevan while also covering travel expenses for women and children. It has also been suggested to provide parking for the Armenian citizens' vehicles.

However, the Armenian citizens at the border have rejected this proposed solution, insisting on organizing their return to Armenia exclusively in their personal vehicles. It is important to note that Armenian citizens can return to Armenia from Russia by land using their personal vehicles only after the Georgian government lifts the restrictions on foreign citizens entering the country."