'Regarding the visa regime, there are differences of opinion in Ukraine itself' says Georgian Dream chairman Mamuka Mdinaradze
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, September 1, 2022
The Chairman of "Georgian Dream" Mamuka Mdinaradze, when asked by a journalist what Georgia's position should be after the statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, said that there is a difference of opinion on the "visa regime" in Europe (where it is being discussed whether or not to completely ban the issuance of visas to Russian citizens) and Ukraine, where the visa regime has been in effect since July 1, and whatever decision they make, it should not become the basis of "shameful" campaigns.
Dmytro Kuleba urged EU countries that a visa ban for Russian tourists would be an appropriate response to Russia's war of aggression in the heart of Europe, which is supported by the majority of their citizens.
"This is an issue on which there are differences of opinion not only in Ukraine but also in Europe. There is an even greater conflict between these two opinions regarding the visa regime. Therefore, we should not judge their decisions and reasoning from here. In any case, we know that no one has made this decision yet, so whether they make this decision or not, whether the supporters of this opinion will win or the opponents, I don't know, but in any case, this should not become the basis for conducting such campaigns in Georgia, such shameful campaigns are sometimes planned, which on the one hand, it can be baptized as a fascist, on the other hand, it can be an attempt to discredit something," Mdinaradze said.
Speaking about Russian tourists, Mdinaradze noted that "distinguishing people on the basis of ethnicity is not entirely good news in 2022", although "there may be some emotion prevailing with someone regarding the fact that they do not like a tourist representing an occupying country."
"It is understandable, on the one hand, that someone may have some emotion about not liking a tourist representing an occupying country, but distinguishing people on the basis of ethnicity is not entirely good news in 2022. Emotions are also understandable, it is also understandable that the occupier was called an occupier and you should definitely do so, and if someone asks you for a statement or comment regarding his government, you should give an appropriate answer, but reduce this story to a tourist and then single out and attack ethnic grounds, and these attacks are not emotional. To be really excited, [but] pragmatically (this is bad pragmatism), to want to interfere with the internal situation of your country, this is bad behavior, and let's not join the Nazis in this matter, please," said Mdinaradze.
Citizens of Russia have a visa-free regime in Georgia, they can stay in the country for 1 year. For citizens of Georgia, Russia has a visa regime. From January to June 2022, 247,156 citizens from Russia entered Georgia in 6 months.
