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Putin orders end to Georgia visa limits, talks to resume imports

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Russia's president has ordered for the remaining visa restrictions on Georgians to be lifted, and for talks to be held with Tbilisi to readmit key Georgian imports into Russia, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
MOSCOW, April 18 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's president has ordered for the remaining visa restrictions on Georgians to be lifted, and for talks to be held with Tbilisi to readmit key Georgian imports into Russia, the Foreign Ministry said on Friday.

The government has been instructed "to take steps to lift remaining visa restrictions for Georgian nationals... and to launch bilateral expert consultations on access to the Russian market for Georgian products," the ministry said in a statement.

"This is convincing evidence of Moscow's constructive policy toward Georgia, and its persistent efforts to restore traditional friendly ties with Georgia," the ministry said.

Russia earlier relaxed its ban on entry visas for Georgians, imposed in September 2006 amid a diplomatic row over the brief arrest of Russian officers on spying charges. The scandal plunged relations between the former Soviet states to an all-time low. Moscow also cut rail, air and postal links to the Caucasus state. Passenger flights were resumed last month.

Visa restrictions affected thousands of Georgians working in Russia.

Russia has been issuing business, employment, transit and student visas for Georgians since June 2007, while denying tourist visas.

Moscow also banned key Georgian exports, including wine and mineral water, in March 2006, citing health concerns. Tbilisi called the decision political.

The order came days after Russia moved to establish closer ties with Georgia's breakaway Abkhazia and South Ossetia. President Vladimir Putin ordered aid to the regions and to start providing consular services for their residents.

Georgia demanded emergency UN Security Council and OSCE sessions on Thursday over what it called Russian attempts to annex its territory.

Georgia's foreign minister said on Friday he doubted that Moscow really intends to improve ties with Tbilisi.

In comments on Putin's order, David Bakradze said he was certain that Georgia's "American and European friends will not be deceived" by Russia's latest steps.

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