Georgian president calls for restrictions against visiting Russians

Restrictions should be adopted against the Russians who came to Georgia en masse, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said.

“It is not clear why measures and fair rules have not been taken regarding mass arrivals from Russia and their activities, especially in areas such as healthcare and education,” she said in her speech during the celebration of Georgia's Independence Day, RBC reports.

Zurabishvili added that Georgia's foreign policy has "become unclear."

“Daily statements and actions separate us from Europe and lead to isolation,” the president said.

The Georgian president also criticised the resumption of air communication between Russia and Georgia.

“It is incomprehensible and insulting when we consider today how many millions the ‘gift of flying’ will bring us. Is our dignity being sold for 200 or 300 million?” she noted.

On May 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin lifted the ban on Russian airlines and cancelled the visa regime for Georgian citizens. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili called the abolition of the visa regime a provocation.

"The resumption of direct flights and the abolition of the visa regime with Georgia is unacceptable as long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and occupies our territory," she said.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili praised Russia for lifting the visa regime and the flight ban.

"There are a million ethnic Georgians, our compatriots, in Russia. They have family members, relatives and acquaintances here, and it's very important to facilitate their movement," he said.

The EU called on Georgia, as a country aspiring to join the European Union, to join sanctions and not to allow Russian planes into its airspace.