Gathering under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, they promise that Russian airlines that want to open offices in Georgia will encounter “physical resistance”.
On Wednesday, May 10, protests by opposition activists against the resumption of direct flights with Russia and the abolition of visas were held in Georgia near the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This was reported in the publication “Echo of the Caucasus”.
“A rally is held against the resumption of direct flights with Russia near the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia. Protesters demand the introduction of a visa regime for Russian citizens,” the message said.
In the video, you can see people climbing the State Department building with banners and whistles that read “Russia is an invader” or “Have a good trip”. Protesters also make arrogant remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Law enforcement officers are also on duty near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.
Russian airlines will face “physical resistance” in Georgia, according to Georgian opposition leader Elene Khoshtaria, leader of the Droa party.
“I want to say to any Russian airline and its representatives who dare to open an office in Georgia. I threaten you directly: you will encounter physical resistance, you will not be able to operate in Georgia,” Khoshtaria said.
The reaction of the Georgian government and the Russian Federation
On May 10, the Georgian government supported Russian President Vladimir Putin’s decision to abolish the visa regime for Georgian citizens and restore air traffic between Georgia and the Russian Federation. This was expressed by Foreign Minister Ilya Darchiashvili and Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili.
In turn, the State Duma of the Russian Federation interpreted the decision to cancel the visa decision with Georgia as an event in favor of Tbilisi, leading to the refusal of the Georgian leadership to participate in the war against Russia. This was expressed by Deputy State Duma Sergei Gavrilov.
The reason for the protests in Georgia
On May 10, Russian President Vladimir Putin, by decree, abolished the visa regime for Georgian citizens, allowing Georgian citizens to enter Russia without a visa for up to 90 days.
In addition, the Kremlin leader lifted the flight ban from Russia to Georgia.
On the same day, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili said that the abolition of the visa regime for Russian and Georgian citizens is unacceptable due to the all-out war in Ukraine.
“As long as Russia continues its aggression against Ukraine and occupies our territory, the resumption of direct flights with Georgia and the abolition of the visa regime are unacceptable,” he said.
Earlier, in 2019, direct flights between Russia and Georgia were interrupted after a so-called “Gavrilov’s night” scandal and protests in Tbilisi against rapprochement with Russia.
Source: Focus
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