Prime Minister"s Special Representative for Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze responds to a new economic embargo imposed by Vladimir Putin, which prohibits Russian tourists from coming to Georgia.
Abashidze says that the government is trying to get full information regarding the decision of the President of the Russian Federation. According to him, after analyzing the information, the government of Georgia will decide what will happen.
"At this stage, we are trying to get complete information about this decision for relevant analysis and conclusions. After that we will make more commentary. Of course, our main task is to defend the country"s sovereignty and the interests of every citizen. Avoid the danger of making hasty decisions on serious issues, "Zurab Abashidze said.
Zurab Abashidze does not exclude the review of Abashidze-Karasin format. When asked whether theAbashidze-Karasin"s negotiations might be under threat to possible, the PM"s advisor said:
"Let"s see."Vladimir Putin"s order comes into effect from July 8 and it prohibits Russian airlines from transporting Russian citizens to Georgia. Tour operators are also prohibited to plan and sell tours in Georgia. Under this step, which is the Kremlin"s state intervention, Georgia loses half a million tourists annually, 20% of the total number of tourists.