EU urges Georgia not to resume flights to Russia

BRUSSELS. May 11 (Interfax) - The sanctions imposed by the European Union and a number of other countries on the Russian aviation sector do not allow flights to or from Russia or above its territory, Peter Stano, the EU's lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, said on Thursday.

"The EU encourages Georgia, aspiring to become EU candidate country, to align with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia also in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant regarding any possible attempt to circumvent them," Stano said when asked to comment on Moscow's decision to lift its ban on flights to and from Georgia and abolish visa requirements for Georgians wishing to visit Russia.

Referring to the International Civil Aviation Organization's conclusions regarding the safety of Russian civil aircraft, Stano said that Georgia should not allow "unsafe Russian aircraft" into its airspace. Because of European sanctions, 95% of the Russian civil aviation fleet has been unable to undergo proper maintenance required for it to comply with international air safety standards, he said.

As for Georgian citizens, it is up to them to decide whether they will take advantage of the steps announced by Russia, Stano said.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a decree lifting restrictions on flights to Georgia, which have been in effect since July 2019.