Prepared by Messenger Staff
Georgia Condemns Resumption of Flights Between Russia and Occupied Abkhazia
The Civil Aviation Agency of Georgia has strongly condemned the resumption of direct flights between Russia and the occupied Abkhazian region, calling it a violation of both international law and Georgian legislation. The agency emphasized that the airport in question was opened illegally and lacks the necessary certification to ensure flight safety.
In a statement, the agency stressed that Georgia is unable to supervise aviation safety and security in the occupied territory, making any air traffic from the region a serious risk. "Operating air traffic from an airport that does not have an aerodrome suitability certificate issued by an authorized body... poses a threat to aviation and passenger safety," the statement reads.
The Georgian government reiterated that any flights operating from Abkhazia without the permission of Georgian authorities violate the country's Law on Occupied Territories, as well as international civil aviation standards under the Chicago Convention. Georgia, as a signatory to the Convention, said it remains committed to international norms and continues to raise the issue through diplomatic and multilateral channels.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already submitted a diplomatic note to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), reaffirming the country's position on the inadmissibility of international flights from occupied Abkhazia. The government says it will continue coordinating with relevant agencies and international partners to address the violation.
Regular flights between Russia and Abkhazia resumed on May 1st for the first time in 30 years.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Denies Abolishment of EU Integration Office
The Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted recent reports claiming the abolition of the Directorate General for European Integration. In an official statement, the Ministry clarified that the ongoing structural reform involves the creation of a new Political Directorate for European Affairs, which will consolidate the existing Europe and European Integration Departments.
"The information that the Directorate General for European Integration will be abolished in the Ministry is not true," the statement reads. "As a result of the reform, a Political Directorate for European Affairs will be established. [with] four divisions in the European Integration Department, which will serve the country's EU integration agenda."
The Ministry emphasized that the reorganization aims to strengthen and streamline Georgia's coordination with European institutions and member states, describing the move as a step toward enhancing efficiency rather than dismantling the EU integration framework.
This clarification comes in response to claims made by Grigol Gegelia, a representative of the opposition coalition Lelo-Strong Georgia. Gegelia alleged that the Foreign Minister, Ilia Darchiashvili, is effectively shutting down the directorate and laying off 250 employees as part of the reform process.
