Russia to close Roki tunnel

The government of Russia has officially announced that starting April 24 it will close the Roki tunnel, which connects the South Ossetian breakaway region of Georgia to the Russian Federation.

This information reached the South Ossetian leadership though the media, causing consternation as Russia made the decision unilaterally and without consultation.

The 3.7 kilometre tunnel is being closed for repairs. Closing down of the tunnel is taking place because of the problems tunnel has as it has been functioning for 25 years already without any serious rehabilitation works there.

The tunnel will be partially open during the works, in order to deploy military contingents to the disputed territory.