Georgian president calls Russia’s lifting visa ban for Georgian citizens ‘another provocation’
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“Resuming direct flights and lifting visa ban with Georgia is unacceptable as long as Russia continues its aggression on Ukraine and occupies our territory!” she tweeted.
Read also: “Russia needs to learn where its borders are” – Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili
Speaking during a briefing, Zourabichvili called on the government to discuss the introduction of a three-month visa regime for Russian citizens.
According to the Georgian leader, Moscow is taking such a step “in its own interests” and it could provoke political tensions in Georgia.
Read also: Russia must leave occupied Georgian territories after defeat in Ukraine, Georgian president says
“Those Russians who enter the country should be subject to state control,” she said.
“We must take steps to put it all in a civilized framework. We’re a tolerant country, we accept everyone, but there are things that cannot take place.”
On May 10, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin unexpectedly lifted visa ban for Georgian citizens and greenlighted direct flights to the country.
Russia’s Association of Tour Operators said the first flights could open in late May.
Russia introduced a visa ban for Georgian citizens in 2000. At the same time, Russians have been able to enter Georgia without visas since 2012, following a unilateral decision by the Georgian government.
After the Russian invasion and the five-day war with the occupying army, Georgia severed diplomatic relations with Moscow in 2008. Direct flights between the countries were halted in 2019.
Read also: Tbilisi rules out opening Georgia's ports for Russian cruises
In early 2023, despite Russia’s ongoing war against Ukraine, the head of the Georgian Dream ruling party, Irakli Kobakhidze, offered to resume flights with Russia, but Zurabishvili spoke against it.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry called this proposal “political meanness amid Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukrainians in a genocidal war.”
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