Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili Rejects Claims of Georgian Government Requesting Resumption of Direct Flights with Russia
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, May 29, 2023
Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, shared his perspective on the resumption of direct flights between Georgia and Russia. Putin expressed his surprise at the unexpected reaction from Georgia, as he had expected to receive 'gratitude' instead.
"For me, the reaction that ensued was entirely unexpected. I had thought that everyone would express gratitude, saying, 'Well, thank you.' But instead, there was an entirely incomprehensible uproar about it. It was very strange, all of a sudden. When I observe from an outsider's perspective, I can't help but wonder: Have they lost their minds or something? It's unclear what's happening there," Putin said.
According to Russian media reports, Putin has stated that the topic of initiating a direct flight and abolishing the visa regime was brought up by representatives of the Georgian government and Moscow, in response to this, took the step of implementing these measures.
Putin stated that the current situation in Georgia is 'not their business', and he believes that the citizens of Georgia should have the freedom to determine the path and development of their country. However, Russia will proceed with its own actions independently.
"We are prepared to fulfill our role. As I mentioned, we are taking measures and will continue to do so based on how our partners respond to this," stated Putin.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ilia Darchiashvili, refuted any claims of negotiations between the authorities of Georgia and Russia regarding the commencement of direct flights and the cancellation of the visa regime. According to Darchiashvili, they were not part of the negotiation process.
"I don't know why this matter was given such a shape. Regarding the flights, we have repeatedly stated that we have not made any efforts in this process, neither in relation to the lifting of visa restrictions nor in the lifting of restrictions related to flights. We have said this many times, and it has been commented on at all levels.
We remain in the format of our statements, the main leitmotif of our statements was that we did not participate in this process, and we confirm the same to you now," said Darchiashvili after the end of the Diaspora Forum.
Nevertheless, the Minister of Foreign Affairs expresses appreciation for the initiation of a direct flight, as he believes it will enhance the mobility of the Georgian diaspora.
"With this decision, it will become more convenient for our esteemed compatriots, the members of our diaspora residing in the Russian Federation, to visit their homeland," stated Darchiashvili.
