Talks Resume on Turkish Airways Flights

(Tbilisi, May 27 2003, Civil Georgia) The Georgian, Turkish governments resumed negotiations on the cooperation of the Turkish Airlines with Georgia. Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze received Turkish Ambassador to Georgia Dicle Kopuz today. While no agreement has been reached yet, the sides are hopeful.

Georgian proposals were considered during the meeting. Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department Zurab Chankotadze said the Turkish side rejected the proposals, considering either operation of two air flights per week under a codesharing agreement with the Georgian flagship company Airzena, or payment of royalties in case of unilateral flights. The Turkish air company keeps urging for operation of three flights a week.

“We hope these meetings will be successful and we will reach an agreement on cooperation”, – Turkish Ambassador said after the meeting with President Shevardnadze.

Under the Parliamentary Resolution of February 27, 2003, which led to cancellation of the Turkish Airlines licenses, the Turkish company should conclude a contract with the Georgian flagship company and pay royalties to the state budget.

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