Russia says there is ‘Russophobic hysteria’ in Georgia
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Moscow believes that there is ‘Russophobic hysteria’ in Georgia and the resumption of Russia-Georgia direct flights, banned by the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 21, is unlikely to take place until the attitude is changed, Russian President’s press secretary Dmitry Peskov says.
The issued documents [the President’s decree on introducing a temporary ban on air travel from Russia to Georgia since July 8] show that there is no specific time period...As soon as [a non-Russophobia atmosphere] is observed, there will be a reason to think about reconsidering this decision," Peskov said.
Russians have also signed a petition protesting upon Putin's decision. Photo: Tass.
He stated that this measure could not be referred to as a sanction.
Our journalists [in Georgia] faced aggressive behavior of far-right nationalists, our parliamentarians faced aggressive attitude towards them," he said, adding that these examples were sufficient to understand that it could be dangerous for Russians to travel to Georgia.
Peskov Said that he did not know about plans to impose additional restrictions in the event of further deterioration of the situation in Georgia.
The recent address to “friends around the world” has gone viral in online media, calling on the rest of the world to come to Georgia amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent ban on flights with Georgia.
Foreign diplomats and citizens have also urged their compatriots visit Georgia to help the country’s tourism industry.
Russia's Federal Service for Surveillance on Consumer Rights Protection and Human Wellbeing has announced a "strengthening of control" over alcoholic drinks imported from Georgia, in a move reminiscent of a 2006 embargo on wine from the country.
The recent address to “friends around the world” has gone viral in online media, calling on the rest of the world to come to Georgia amid Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent ban on flights with Georgia. Georgians invite travellers from all over the world to come to their country and "experience best wine, tastiest food and unforgettable hospitality provided by some of the warmest hearted people in the world".
Over 12,000 Russian citizens have signed an online petition calling on Russian President Vladimir Putin to cancel his recent ban on flights between Russia and Georgia. "Allow flights between Georgia and Russia, as Russian citizens in Georgia are in safety. As for the protest rallies – this is the right of the Georgian citizens”, the text of the petition reads.
Russian president Vladimir Putin’s decision to ban flights to Georgia amid the protest rallies in Tbilisi following a Russian delegation’s recent visit to Georgia has caused even wider public solidarity among the local population against the Russian occupation.
Ukraine's former president Petro Poroshenko has urged citizens of his country to travel to Georgian resorts and counter Russia's efforts to "weaken Georgia economically" following president Vladimir Putin's ban on flights to the country.
Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze says that after 2020 parliamentary elections the county may have a coalition government, as, for the first time, the race is likely to take place with the proportional electoral system with a zero threshold.
Former Foreign Minister of Georgia Irakli Menagarishvili says that Russia has unleashed an economic war against Georgia and it is very likely the country will gradually ban Georgian products on its markets which were only recently re-allowed in 2013.
The Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov calls on Russian artists who planned to perform in Georgia “to think of their safety”. Peskov told Interfax news agency today that Russian artists should take into consideration that their trip to Georgia “may be dangerous” amid the ongoing protest rallies.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Gregory Karasin says that Russian tourists face no threats for now in Georgia.
One of the largest US tour operators, MIR Corporation, and National Geographic will launch cooperation to organise tours for tourists from the United States, Canada, New Zealand and other English-speaking countries to Georgia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov considers that the meetings, similar to the negotiations between the Russian and Georgian Foreign Ministers, “contribute to launching positive cooperation between the two countries”.