28 February 2012, 22:10
Mikhail Saakashvili: Georgia to cancel visa regime for Russian citizens
Georgia is ready to cancel visa regime for citizens of Russia. This was announced by Mikhail Saakashvili in his annual report in the Parliament on February 28.
Let us remind you that the visa regime between Georgia and Russia was introduced in 2000.
The President of Georgia has explained the decision by the desire to attract more Russian tourists and businessmen and to demonstrate to the international community that the country is ready to improve relations with its northern neighbour, the "Reuters" reports.
"Let all Russian citizens know that they can come to our country, which is free from corruption, violence and human rights violations," Mikhail Saakashvili stated.
However, he warned that the cancellation of visa regime does not mean Georgia's consent with the policy of Russia, which recognized the sovereignty of individual Georgian territories. Mikhail Saakashvili has added that the Georgia's aspiration to join NATO and the EU remains the main country's foreign policy priorities.
Meanwhile, the President has noted that Georgia hopes to strengthen economic partnership with Russia and never closes for Russian investors, the IA "News-Georgia" reports.
"Actively development of business will give no room for rumble of tanks. Therefore, we support a greater chance of peace," he has stressed.
