Armenia seeks solution for alcohol exports: talks with Georgia underway

YEREVAN, May 13. /ARKA/. Armenian authorities are looking for a solution for alcohol exports, Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said today in response to a question about what the ministry was doing to resolve the problem that Armenian alcohol exports have been facing for weeks already when trying to cross the Georgian border into Russia.

"Now we are discussing different scenarios and situations with Georgian partners. Of course, the business community is also involved in these discussions," Papoyan noted.

He did not rule out that he would visit Georgia in the near future to discuss the issue once again.

"Unlike other goods for which we have already managed to achieve a solution (textiles, foil, flowers), the problem with alcohol remains unsolved. Yes, there is a problem, and I believe that our entrepreneurs are right on this issue," Papoyan noted.

A group of alcohol producers held a protest rally in front of the Georgian Embassy in Armenia on Tuesday. The protesters demanded a meeting with the Georgian ambassador to Armenia to understand why the alcoholic beverages they produce, mainly cognac, exported to Russia or the Baltic states, are subject to inspections in the transit country.

Recent reports indicate that Armenian companies exporting alcoholic products have been subjected to strange inspections over the past month and a half by Georgia customers authorities.

Garnik Danielyan, an MP from the opposition Armenia faction, told Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan that Armenian companies exporting alcoholic beverages are shipping their products with huge financial losses due to delays. Papoyan replied that he had discussed the issue with Georgian officials in Armenia and an institutional solution should be found.

According to Azatutyun Radio as of May 7, some 30 trucks carrying alcohol were waiting on the Georgian side for the results of laboratory tests to either deliver the goods to their final destination or bring them back. -0-