President Zourabichvili against flight resumptions between Russia and Georgia, calls it a 'trick'
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, January 23, 2023
The President of Georgia Salome Zourabichvili released a statement against the resumption of direct flights between Georgia and Russia.
According to the statement released by the presidential administration, Zourabichvili said the position of the Georgian government 'incomprehensible'.
"At a time when all our partner countries, by word or deed, express their maximum solidarity with the war of Ukraine, for me and I am sure for the majority of the society, the position of the government and the ruling party is, to put it mildly, incomprehensible.
I cannot agree with the argument that is used to support this position, that is, as if it serves to alleviate the problems of Georgians living in Russia. Not least because for months, despite all my efforts, I have not been able to achieve a result regarding the simplification of the criteria for granting citizenship - an issue that most worries our compatriots abroad, including Russia.
At this time, if we remember anything about Russia's already outdated tricks, we should understand that the Kremlin will 'throw out' such topics when it hopes to create a rift between us and our Western partners.
This can not be allowed!
Instead, as I have repeatedly urged the government, it is necessary to seriously study the issue of the influx of Russian citizens, with all its social and political parameters, so that the public feels that its national interests and security are taken into account and protected. We need regulations - regarding work rights, business registration, property acquisition, or the opening of Russian-language schools.
Also, instead of resuming flights, the government should take care of the country's reputation, categorically respond to the accusations made against the country - about circumventing sanctions through Georgia! All of this requires a serious state approach and rejection of accusations, which will be categorical and supported by facts!," the President's statement reads.
