Concerns Arise Over Georgia's Decision to Restore Flights with Russia, Says Peter Stano
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 17, 2023
The resumption of flights between Georgia and Russia has raised concerns within the European Union, according to Peter Stano, EU's Lead Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
During a briefing, Stano expressed his apprehension regarding Georgia's decision to resume air traffic with Russia following the lifting of the ban. Stano emphasized that this decision raises concerns regarding Georgia's progress towards closer integration with the European Union and its obligation to align with the European Union's foreign policy, as outlined in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement.
"We express our concern regarding Georgia's decision to resume air traffic with Russia after Russia lifted the ban on air traffic last week.
The decision of the Georgian authorities to restore flights raises concerns regarding Georgia's trajectory towards closer integration with the European Union and its obligation to adhere to the European Union's foreign policy, as stipulated in the EU-Georgia Association Agreement," stated Stano at the briefing.
Furthermore, Stano drew attention to the decreasing level of Georgia's compliance with the European Union's foreign policy. He noted that the percentage of Georgia's adherence to the decisions and declarations of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union has decreased from 44% last year to 31% this year, according to the current data. Stano further reiterated that the International Civil Aviation Organization of the United Nations has raised grave concerns regarding the safety of Russian aircraft.
Stano also responded to the issue of the resumption of flights with Russia at the briefing held last week. He then called on Georgia to join the sanctions against Russia, "including in the aviation sector," noting that in light of significant security problems, Georgia should not allow dangerous Russian aircraft on its territory.
