Epress.am News from Armenia
Gyumri drivers, who earlier today were protesting outside the Bavra customs point on the Armenian-Georgian border, decided to return to Gyumri and rally in the city’s theatre square.
Earlier today, these drivers (who own vehicles with Georgian plates) submitted an appeal with their complaints to the checkpoint at the Armenian town of Bavra, as had been suggested to them by police. Then, they had said if they don’t receive a response in half an hour, they will take more decisive action.
Not receiving a response in half an hour, the drivers planned to block the main road from Armenia to Georgia; however, they later decided to go to Gyumri’s theatre square and hold a demonstration there.
As told to Epress.am by one of the protestors, Karen Poghosyan, standing by their side during the demonstration were members of the Heritage Party and the Armenian National Congress. During the rally near Bavra customs point, People’s Party leader Tigran Karapetyan made a speech. Five minutes later, he left with his team who were filming him.
Note the drivers are complaining of high customs tariffs for drivers in Armenia who drive vehicles with Georgian plates. They say the system is unregulated and unfair, particularly since drivers have to drive to the border once every 30 days and pay fees to extend their vehicles’ stay in Armenia.
Photo: Asparez Journalists’ Club