Karasin: Russia may abolish visas for Georgians

Moscow continues to explore the possibility of abolishing visas for Georgian citizens, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said.

According to him, Moscow is interested in mending relations with Tbilisi and is ready for top-level negotiations, should Georgia express such a desire.

"The issue of abolishing visas with Georgia has been the focus of the Russian political leadership’s attention. I believe Tbilisi’s specific steps aimed at normalizing relations with our country could bring it back to the bilateral agenda," the senior diplomat told Izvestia  

"Russia is always open to any direct talks, including summits. Unfortunately, Georgia isn’t showing any willingness to do that, and the latest events prove that," TASS cited him as saying. 

"If it weren't for attempts by Georgian politicians, let alone extremists, to focus on the issues that divide us, we could make tangible progress and arrange meetings at any level," Karasin added.