Burjanadze, Abashidze Discussed Disputed Visa Regime

Nino Burjanadze said upon her arrival from Batumi on December 10 that the issue of visa regime between Russia and Adjara Autonomous Republic was discussed during the talks with Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze.

On December 8, Russia announced that it is easing visa requirements with Adjara Autonomous Republic. Georgian Foreign Ministry condemned Russia’s decision, as “unilateral, which violates Georgia’s sovereignty.”

“Of course I do not have anything against the simplifying of visa regime, but it should not imply only particular regions of Georgia. At least Russian should have informed Georgia’s central government regarding the decision in advance,” Nino Burjanadze told reporters; however she refrained to specify what was Abashidze’s position regarding the issue.