Armenian cargo currently held up at the Upper Lars checkpoint is experiencing delays due to inspections conducted by the Russian side, as reported by Armenian Minister of Economy Vahan Kerobyan.

The inspections, according to Kerobyan, are related to the quality of cognac. When asked if these checks are linked to the recent ratification of the Rome Statute by the Armenian National Assembly, the minister couldn't confirm this. Such delays, he mentioned, are not uncommon.

The number of trucks involved in this delay has not been specified by Kerobyan, but the customs attaché at the Armenian Embassy in Russia, Vahan Hakobyan, mentioned that around 60 trucks carrying cognac from Armenia to Russia are awaiting the conclusion of these controls. The Russian side conducts customs inspections on Armenian cognac shipments to Russia and may occasionally send products for further examination.

Kerobyan also said that his deputy had already spoken with representatives of the Russian side.