Under the mentality of Georgian people, Armenia-Georgian relations are more benefcial for Armenia, than Georgia, the Head of “European Integration” Karen Bakaryan said at the Yerevan-Tbilisi TV spacebridge on “the results of Georgian President visit to Armenia: prospects of the bilateral relations”.

“As soon as a new matter in Armenian-Georgian relations emerges, a dispute on who gains more or needs it begins. This thinking is always there, and is visible even in the discussions with my colleagues. Thus, untill it is entirely unrooted, these relations will be only perfunctory.” As for the Upper Lars checkpoint, Bekaryan said: “Yes, Armenia needs it, but just as Georgia does.”

Sergey Minasyan, Deputy Director of Caucasus Media Institute in Yerevan, informed that the opening of the checkpoint is more positive than a negative trend. He noted that Georgia could use this opportunity to reconcile the relations with Russia.

However, Georgian Political analyst Gia Nodia said, that does not consider the opening of Upper Lars a trivial issue for Georgia, which is however financially beneficial for Armenia. According to Georgian President Advisor Van Baiburt, the majority of Georgians are for the smooth and balanced relations with Russia: “But just like Armenia and other countries, Georgia is a sovereign and independent state and want to be treated respectfully.”