Russia says it will start issuing a limited number of visas to Georgian citizens. easing a suspension imposed last year during a dispute between the two countries.
"We are partly resuming the issue of visas," said Valery Vasiliyev, consul of the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi. "Visas will be given in those cases where there is a private invitation from a Russian citizen for their family members in Georgia. Russia has made a humanitarian step towards Georgia."
Georgian Foreign Minister Gela Bezhuashvili welcomed the announcement, calling it "a win-win situation."
Russia stopped issuing visas to Georgians at the end of September 2006, after Georgian authorities arrested a group of Russian officers on spying charges.
Moscow also recalled its ambassador, cut air links with Georgia and launched a crackdown on Georgian migrants. Russia's ambassador has since returned.
Copyright (c) 2006. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
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