Georgian political analysts support visas for Russians

The uncontrolled inflow of Russian citizens is a threat to Georgia's security and economy, since it is not known what goals they pursue when coming into the country, the political analysts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" have noted.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on August 2, the oppositional "Lelo" Party called on Georgian authorities to introduce the visa regime for citizens of Russia and Belarus, while the term of a tourist visa should not exceed 30 days.

In the opinion of Nodar Kharshiladze, an analyst with the Georgian Fund for Strategic and International Studies, a large inflow of people into the country poses a certain danger in the long term, since it remains unknown who they are and what aims of their arrival are.

Zviad Adziangaya, an expert of the Centre for Strategic Analysis, believes that special services should check the incoming Russian citizens. "A big problem is that we don't know who these people are. <...> We have reasons to fear them," he has stated.

Batu Kuteliya, one of the leaders of the "Droa" movement, is sure that along with the visa regime, authorities should also impose other restrictions, in particular, on financial transactions and economic activities.

"Financial transactions, economic or other activities can be massively used against Georgia's statehood. Today, the country faces great risks," Mr Kuteliya said on air of the "Mtavari Arkhi" Georgian TV Company.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on August 14, 2022 at 05:20 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.