The Institute for War & Peace Reporting (IWPR) has more on how the recently imposed Russian blockade of Georgia is affecting others as well. In particular, it is starting to affect Armenia, Russia’s traditional ally in the South Caucasus.

“I have a ticket to fly to Moscow tomorrow. Will I be able to fly?” enquires a caller to Tbilisi airport’s information bureau. “There are no flights to Russia right now. Could you call later? Things may change,” comes the response.

Over the past few days, operators at the bureau have had to deal with a flood of such calls.

With Russia and Georgia experiencing probably their stormiest row since the collapse of the Soviet Union 15 years ago, Moscow has effectively declared a blockade of Georgia, cancelling all transport and postal links with its southern neighbour. The shutdown is also hurting ordinary people and businesses in Armenia and the North Caucasus.

[…]

Citizens of landlocked Armenia are also desperately worried about the blockade on Georgia, as Georgia provides them with their main land route to Russia. Businessmen are complaining of halted cargos and potentially huge losses.

“In the long-term this could do serious damage to the economy of Armenia as our route not only to Georgia itself but to the countries of the CIS and Europe lies via Georgia,” said Tatul Manaserian, economist and member of the Armenian parliament.

Vahan Hovhannesian, deputy speaker of parliament, said, “I think it is not the first time that Russia is defining its relations with Georgia and not taking into account the interests of Armenia. Maybe they expect understanding from us, but I for one don’t have any. Because Russia, which is our strategic ally, whether it wants it or not, is taking part in the blockade of Armenia.”

The full story is here.