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Ex-president against introduction of visa-free regime between Georgia and Iran

Politics Materials 7 February 2011 19:58 (UTC +04:00)

Georgia, Tbilisi, Feb. 7 / Trend N.Kirtzkhalia /

The introduction of visa free regime between Georgia and the North Caucasus republics, and Iran is a very dangerous decision, ex-Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze said in an interview today with the Asaval-Dasavali weekly.

"If all sundry will enter freely into Georgia from the North Caucasus, and Iran, then it will be difficult to talk about the prospects of Georgia's development," he added.

Shevardnadze called the government's decision "very risky" step, whose consequences are difficult to predict.

Visa-free regime between Georgia and Iran comes into force from Jan.26. Agreement between Georgia and Iran to abolish the visa regime was signed on Nov. 3, 2010 in Tbilisi.

Visa-free stay for Iranian citizens in Georgia and Georgian citizens in Iran, is envisaged for a period of 45 days. Both countries' citizens will also take advantage of transit checkpoints.

"A visa or permission will be needed to stay in the country for more than 45 days," the Georgian Foreign Ministry said earlier.

In late 2010, after a 10-year break, Tbilisi-Tehran direct flights were launched. The Tbilisi- Tehran-Tbilisi flight is carried out twice a week, on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

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