Econ Ministry advises Russians to refrain from visiting Georgia

MOSCOW. March 9 (Interfax) - The Russian Economic Development Ministry recommends that Russian citizens refrain from visiting Georgia.

"The Russian Economic Development Ministry recommends that Russian citizens refrain from visiting Georgia. If you are now in the country, we recommend avoiding visiting crowded places, in particular, the historical centers of the cities of Batumi and Tbilisi," the ministry press service said.

Thousands of people took part in protests in Tbilisi on March 7-8 after the parliament passed the bill on foreign agents at first reading. The police clashed with the protesters. The ruling party Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia, recalled the bill from the parliament early on March 9.

The Association of Tour Operators in Russia (ATOR) said some 200 Russian tourists may now be in Georgia.