EU Spokesperson: Russia flight ban ‘unjustified and disproportionate’
Mtatsminda hill and Tbilisi TV tower seen on the backdrop of Georgia- and EU-themed flags decorating the Rike Park in downtown Tbilisi on Europe Day. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge
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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.
Statement by the Spokesperson on the latest developments in relations between the Russian Federation ???????? and Georgia ???????? ???????? https://t.co/896szFOahn
— Maja Kocijančič (@MajaEUspox) July 3, 2019
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.
A portrait of Russian president Vladimir Putin is printed with a symbol of the Soviet hammer and sickle and a phrase related to the ongoing occupation of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) by Russian troops is seen on the back of a protester's shirt during the rally. Photo: Nino Alavidze/agenda.ge
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.
A Georgian student has severely cut his hand while trying to cross the occupation line between Georgia and its western occupied Abkhazia region yesterday, as the de facto authorities closed the only checkpoint with the rest of Georgia on June 27.
Starting from today Tbilisi rallies will be focused on communication, changing the public’s views, and discussions, organisers say.“We will gather in front of the parliament building, read poems, discuss various issues, show films, discuss the films, etc.,” one of the organisers of the protests, Shota Digmelashvili said.
Amnesty International says that the attempts to physically demarcate a boundary between Georgia’s occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali (South Ossetia) and the rest of Georgia by Russia and the regions’ de facto authorities have led to severe human rights violations.
Members of the Russians social-liberal opposition party Yabloko, who are in Georgia to participate in the Georgian Development Platform, say that they respect Georgia’s territorial integrity and justify the ongoing protest of the Georgian people triggered by the conduct of the Russian MP in the Georgian parliament.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin says that Russian tourists face no threats for now in Georgia.
Peaceful demonstrators have gathered in front of the parliament of Georgia for the 25th consecutive day tonight, again demanding Interior Minister Giorgi Gakharia’s resignation. One of the organisers of the demonstrations, Shota Digmelashvili, said they will not stop until their last demand is fulfilled.