Russia Supports Restoration of Air Traffic Between Russia and Georgia, Does not Rule Out Easing Visa Regulations
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
The Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Russian Duma, Dmitry Novikov, said that he supports the restoration of air traffic between Russia and Georgia. Novikov did not rule out easing the visa regime for Georgian citizens either.
"Despite the difficult period that the Russian Federation has gone through with the Georgian authorities, there are many citizens living in this country who are friendly towards Russia and support friendly relations between our peoples. Therefore, I would certainly support the restoration of aviation communications.
As for visas, I would consider the situation in the same way. Although here in this case it is necessary to study all the pros and cons more carefully. But I do not rule out that in the near future it will be worth easing the visa regime significantly," Novikov told the Russian media.
Also, according to Russian media, the Russian Association of Lawyers in the field of human rights appealed to the President of Russia and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to ease the visa regime for Georgian citizens. According to the association, the majority of Georgian citizens are in favor of friendship with Russia, and here "the group of nationalists is only slightly represented."
"The cancellation of the visa regime for Georgian citizens entering Russia, as well as the restoration of direct flights, can be a worthy response to those who do not want stable and peaceful relations between Russia and Georgia," the association said in a statement.
The conversation about the restoration of air traffic between Russia and Georgia was resumed after the comments of the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. Lavrov praised the Georgian government for 'withstanding' Western pressure to join sanctions against Russia, and expressed hope that direct flights would be restored soon.
In response to Lavrov, the chairman of the ruling party Georgian Dream Irakli Kobakhidze said that the restoration of air traffic will ease the situation of Georgian citizens and is welcome and the President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili criticized the possible restoration of the flight.
