The European Union Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Maja Kocijancic said in today’s statement that EU considers the Russian decision to ban flights to Georgia as of 8 July “unjustified and disproportionate”
Kocijancic said the latest developments in relations between Russia and Georgia “risk having a negative impact on the citizens of both countries”.
"Additionally, the restrictions that were imposed on the two crossing points at the Abkhaz Administrative Boundary Line as of 27 June severely affect freedom of movement and cause further difficulties for the conflict affected population”, she also said.
Urging that the restrictions need to be lifted “to avoid further humanitarian hardship” Kocijancic hoped that the ongoing round of the Geneva International Discussions that started today “should be used effectively to lower tensions and to alleviate the situation of the affected population”.
The European Union's commitment to peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia remains as strong as ever. The European Union reiterates its firm support to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders”, she also stated.
The de facto Abkhaz leadership announced that the “entry of foreign citizens from the territory of Georgia, as well as the departure of citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia to the territory of Georgia” will be restricted for an undefined period of time amid recent protest rallies in Tbilisi.
Georgian Foreign Minister David Zalkaliani said the issue will be raised at the Geneva International Discussions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a ban on flights to Georgia as part of Russian state reaction to protest in Tbilisi following a Duma MP's appearance in the Tbilisi parliament on June 20.
He ordered cessation of flights after a date of July 8 while also tasking his government with returning Russian citizens on temporary stay in Georgia and prohibiting Russian tour agencies from organising travels to the country.
Source - Agenda.ge
