Tbilisi, Georgia, Jan.3
By Nana Kirtzkhalia - Trend:
Through the Georgian interests section at the Swiss embassy, the Russian Foreign Ministry has informed the Georgian side of the simplification of the visa system for Georgian carriers (drivers) on Dec.27.
After conducting the necessary procedures, the information which will be posted soon on the website of the Land Transport Agency (www.lta.gov.ge), states that reusable business visas will be issued to Georgian carriers as a priority without preliminary registration for the period of one year, Georgian Economy Ministry told Trend on Jan.3.
The Consular fee for issuance of a short term visa which is three working days will amount to $310, while the normal period of 10 working days will be $160.
International road communication between Russia and Georgia is regulated by an agreement signed by the two countries on February 3, 1994. However, the road communication with Georgia was discontinued on Oct.2, 2006 on the initiative of the Russian Federation.
Consultations were held between the two countries during 2012 on restoration of road communication and in late 2012 Russia sent authorisation forms for international road haulage to the amount of 1000 units.
Large scale military action was launched in South Ossetia on August 8, 2008. Later, Russian troops occupied Tskhinvali and expelled the Georgian military.
Russia recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia in late August. In response, Tbilisi ended diplomatic relations with Moscow and has called the two unrecognised republics of Abkhazia and South Ossetia occupied territories.
Translated by L.Z.
Edited by S.M.