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The News in Brief

Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Prepared by Messenger Staff

Georgian Civil Aviation Agency Affirms Strict Criteria for Flights Between Georgia and Russia to Exclude Sanctioned Airlines

The Georgian Civil Aviation Agency has issued a statement asserting that Georgia maintains a strong stance on permitting flights between Georgia and the Russian Federation only by airlines and aircraft not subject to sanctions.

"Consequently, the Civil Aviation Agency will meticulously examine and verify all applications, information, and documentation submitted by airlines, taking into account various mechanisms related to sanctions.

Simultaneously, the agency engages in consultations with states that adhere to sanctions while maintaining direct air traffic with the Russian Federation, studying their practices as well," stated the agency.

Based on their reports, the Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia has currently received applications from multiple airlines seeking to establish regular air traffic between Georgia and Russia. Nevertheless, the agency has chosen not to disclose which airlines have submitted these applications.

"We emphatically state that, in relation to each appeal submitted to the Civil Aviation Agency, the decision will be made after conducting a detailed study of the current status of the airlines and their aircraft in relation to international sanctions or restrictions. Flight permits will be issued in accordance with the aforementioned principle," the statement reads.



Danish Foreign Minister Affirms Support for Georgia's European Aspirations During Joint Press Conference

During a joint press conference with Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen expressed Denmark's backing for Georgia's European aspirations, affirming that their country's response regarding the candidate status would be positive.

"You will obtain candidate status in the fall when we witness the implementation of recommendations from the European Commission. It is a merit-based pathway to the EU, and all of this is interconnected with the Copenhagen criteria. We aim to assist Georgia in meeting these criteria. If Georgia fulfills these criteria based on recommendations and decisions, Denmark will lend its support for the granting of candidate status," stated Rasmussen.

As per the statement of the Danish Foreign Minister, Denmark endorses Georgia's European aspirations, which are founded on the principles of human rights, the rule of law, and independent democratic institutions.