Direct Flights to Russia Don't Violate International Sanctions, Parliament Chairman Says
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
According to the Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Shalva Papuashvili, direct flights to Russia are not in violation of any international sanctions. Papuashvili further emphasizes that the authorities of the Georgian Dream have consistently communicated their policy toward Russia for over a year.
In response to journalists' questions in the parliament, Papuashvili highlighted that none of the statements made by foreign politicians or organizations suggest that the direct flights between Georgia and Russia violate any international sanctions. He called for a recognition of the fact that these flights do not breach sanctions.
The chairman clarified that Georgia does not allow the circumvention of international sanctions and maintains an honest approach. Additionally, he noted that Georgia does not impose bilateral sanctions.
"Look at these statements; in no statement, whether from a foreign politician or an organization, does anyone claim that these flights circumvent or violate any sanctions. Let's agree that direct flights do not breach any international sanctions. If there are other motives behind these assessments, they should be openly discussed. For over a year now, we have already stated our policy regarding Russia. The policy is as follows: on one hand, we do not allow the circumvention of international sanctions by using Georgia, and in this regard, Georgia is absolutely honest, without a single fact, rumor, or doubt. Secondly, we do not impose bilateral sanctions," Papuashvili stated.
According to him, the imposition of sanctions could potentially escalate the situation and lead to unpredictable consequences:
"In a situation where no country or organization offers guarantees of military and economic security to Georgia, it would be unjust to demand that Georgia impose bilateral sanctions," Papuashvili said.
