The President of Georgia urged to introduce restrictions against visiting Russians

Restrictions should be adopted against the Russians who came to Georgia en masse, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said. Her words are broadcast by the Georgian Channel One.

“It is not clear why measures and fair rules have not been taken regarding mass arrivals from Russia and their activities, especially in areas such as healthcare and education,” she said in her speech during the celebration of Georgia's Independence Day.

Zurabishvili added that Georgia's foreign policy has "become unclear." “Daily statements and actions separate us from Europe and lead to isolation,” the president said.

The President of Georgia also criticized the resumption of air communication between Russia and Georgia. “It is incomprehensible and insulting when we consider today how many millions the “gift of flying” will bring us. Is our dignity being sold for 200 or 300 million?” she noted.

On May 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on Russian airlines and canceled the visa regime for Georgian citizens. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called the abolition of the visa regime a provocation. “The resumption of direct flights and the abolition of the visa regime with Georgia are unacceptable as long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and occupies our territory,” she said.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili positively assessed the abolition of the visa regime by Russia and the lifting of the ban on flights. “There are a million ethnic Georgians in Russia, our compatriots. They have family members, relatives, acquaintances here, and it is very important to facilitate their movement,” he said.

The EU called on Georgia, as a country seeking to join the European Union, to join the sanctions and prevent Russian aircraft from entering its airspace.