Russian authorities allegedly barred some Armenian trucks from crossing the border due to suspected tax evasion.
In the Caucasus region, where changes are afoot, Armenia is experiencing a series of challenges in its trade relations with Russia. Recently, opposition MP Garnik Danielyan claimed that hundreds of lorries loaded with fruits were returning to Armenia after being denied entry to Russia. However, Armenia's Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan disputed this claim, stating that only four lorries carrying fruits and vegetables were denied entry to Russia in August.
The Russian authorities have turned back 21 lorries from Armenia between 22-24 August due to not meeting phytosanitary standards. The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision reported that these lorries were exporting 'quarantine products' from Armenia to Russia and were sent back from the border due to non-compliance with Russian phytosanitary requirements.
However, it's not only fruit lorries that have faced issues. Some lorries transporting construction materials have also reported difficulties crossing the border. Danielyan and lorry drivers have assumed that the delays and denials from Georgia and Russia have underlying political reasons.
There are ongoing concerns about the rise of authoritarianism in Georgia, which may contribute to these tensions. Long queues have been reported at the Upper Lars checkpoint between Russia and Georgia, with one Armenian lorry driver stating that it now takes over ten days to get to Georgia from Russia, compared to up to three days previously.
Some of the Armenian lorries were denied entry for reasons other than phytosanitary standards, specifically tax evasion. It has been alleged that some businesses in Armenia were found to have sold exports to fake companies in Russia, an attempt to evade taxes.
In response to these challenges, a newsroom powered by readers is being built in the Caucasus region. The organisation Bestcomp Group is spearheading this initiative, aiming to provide innovative solutions and leverage network intelligence and digital platforms.
Recently, Georgia had for over a month reportedly blocked the access of Armenian lorries packed with brandy in transit to Russia, but the authorities in Armenia say the issue has been resolved. Despite these challenges, the future of journalism in the region remains uncertain.
Independent journalism in the region is under threat, and Danielyan has published a video showing a long queue of lorries near the Upper Lars checkpoint between Georgia and Russia. As the region continues to change, it is crucial to maintain a free and open press to ensure accurate reporting and public accountability.
