Prepared by Messenger Staff
Botchorishvili Welcomes Nauru's Decision to Revoke Recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia
Georgian Dream Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili welcomed Nauru's decision to revoke its recognition of the independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, calling it a successful outcome of Georgia's diplomatic efforts.
Botchorishvili said Tbilisi had responded by expressing its readiness to establish diplomatic relations with Nauru and develop bilateral ties.
"The steps taken by the Georgian diplomatic service are fruitful. First of all, this decision by Nauru is welcome," she said.
Botchorishvili said Georgia's policy of non-recognition of the two Russian-occupied regions requires constant diplomatic engagement because of what she described as Russia's ongoing efforts to persuade countries to recognize them as independent states.
"There are daily attempts by Russia to ensure that their policy of recognizing the so-called independence of Abkhazia and South Ossetia is successful," she said, adding that Georgia continues to work with international partners to persuade the remaining countries that recognize the regions to reverse their decisions.
Botchorishvili also dismissed criticism from political opponents over the development, saying the decision reflected the work of Georgia's diplomatic service.
"I know what the Georgian diplomatic service did and I can really say with confidence that this is a great merit of the daily work of Georgian diplomats," Botchorishvili said.
Georgians May Face U.S. Visa Bonds of Up to $20,000 From Aug. 3
Georgian citizens applying for U.S. business and tourist visas may be required to post refundable bonds of up to $20,000 from Aug. 3 under a U.S. Visa Bond Program that is becoming permanent.
Georgia was added to the program in April while it was operating as a pilot and remains the only country in Europe and the South Caucasus on the list of 50 countries covered by the policy.
According to a Federal Register notice, U.S. consular officers may require eligible B-1 and B-2 visa applicants to post bonds of $10,000, $15,000 or $20,000 before a visa is issued.
"An alien applying for a visa as a temporary visitor for business and pleasure (B-1/B-2) may be required to submit a bond ('visa bond') to ensure that the alien maintains his or her nonimmigrant status and departs as required," the notice said.
The bond does not guarantee visa approval and will be refunded if the visa holder complies with U.S. immigration rules, including leaving the country before the visa expires.
U.S. officials say the policy is intended to reduce visa overstays, while immigration advocates argue it could discourage legitimate travel, Reuters has reported.
