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FM: United States okay with visa-free regime between Georgia and Iran

Politics Materials 1 November 2010 14:31 (UTC +04:00)
Rumors that the United States will back out of Georgia if the country opts for a visa-free regime with Iran have no grounds, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze said today.
FM: United States okay with visa-free regime between Georgia and Iran

Georgia, Tbilisi, Nov. 1 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /

Rumors that the United States will back out of Georgia if the country opts for a visa-free regime with Iran have no grounds, Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kalandadze said today.

Some experts are skeptical about the establishment of a visa-free regime between Georgia and Iran, as they believe the step would weaken the U.S. position in the region, including in Georgia, she said. They also think that Tbilisi's rapprochement with Tehran would irritate Washington.

However, Kalandadze stressed that such skepticism is deeply misplaced.

"The weakening of the U.S. role is impossible, as they are our strategic partner," she said. "We greatly depend on their friendly and political support. We are building the relations with Iran in an open mode and in the format of a continuous dialogue with our allies. Thus, this will not irritate anyone."

She added that Iran is not the only country, with which Georgia has simplified its visa regime, and noted that the flow of Iranian tourists to Georgia has recently doubled. Georgia also hopes to increase its trade turnover with the country, Kalandadze said.

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