Georgian Opposition Leaders Express Concerns Over Russia's Decision on Visa-Free Travel and Lifting Flight Ban
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Elene Khoshtaria, the leader of the Droa political party, expressed her opposition to the restoration of flights and the visa-free regime with Russia, referring to it as an occupying, aggressive, and internationally recognized terrorist state. Khoshtaria further stated that allowing Russian airlines to operate in Georgia would be viewed as another direct act of sabotage against Ukraine and Georgia's European aspirations.
Khoshtaria highlighted the international legal implications of Russia's decision to restore flights and a visa-free regime with Georgia, stating that it goes against Georgia's national interests and international image. She emphasized that it also poses a direct threat to Ukraine and Georgia's European perspective. Khoshtaria pointed out that since February 28, all Russian airlines have been sanctioned by the European Union. Any aircraft operated by a Russian airline or owned by a Russian natural or legal entity is sanctioned in Europe. Allowing Russian airlines to operate in Georgia would violate these sanctions and further risk Georgia's relationship with the EU.
Khoshtaria also referenced the US State Department's concern about the resumption of flights between Russia and Georgia, stating that Georgian airlines may also become subject to sanctions. She emphasized that this decision puts Georgia at risk of sanctions and is a disaster from technical, moral, political, and legal standpoints.
The Droa leader said that the claim of over a million Georgian citizens living in Russia is false and is being used by the ruling party to justify its decision to restore flights and a visa-free regime with Russia. Khoshtaria accused Georgian Dream of committing treason and suggested that their actions may lead to repercussions for the citizens of Georgia.
Dekanoidze also addressed the issue of Russia's cancellation of the visa regime with Georgia. According to Dekanoidze, Putin's decision is a reward for the anti-Western and anti-Ukrainian policy pursued by the Georgian authorities, particularly by the ruling party Georgian Dream and its leader Bidzina Ivanishvili. She warned that this policy is seen as going against civilization and the national interests of Georgia, which primarily involve the desire of 85% of Georgian citizens to integrate into the European Union.
Dekanoidze further warned that any airline that complies with Putin's wish to resume flights between Russia and Georgia will only strengthen his message and further cement his influence. She stated that the Georgian authorities should be aware that agreeing to this could lead to sanctions, which have already been imposed on Russian airlines by the European Union since February 28 and could potentially be even stronger in the future.
Gakharia, leader of For Georgia, also said that Russia's decision to lift the flight ban and cancel the visa regime for Georgian citizens is a result of the Georgian government's 'good behavior', which is frequently praised by Russian officials. Gakharia added that Ivanishvili's policies put Georgia in line with aggressors, jeopardizing the country's European integration aspirations and going against the will of the Georgian people.
