MOSCOW, June 21 -- President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Friday, ordering Russian airlines to indefinitely suspend passenger flights from Russia to Georgia starting July 8 as tensions flared up between the two countries.
The decree on Certain Measures to Ensure the National Security of Russia and to Protect the Citizens of Russia from Criminal and Other Illegal Actions advises Russian travel agencies not to sell tours to Georgia until the ban is lifted.
The decree, published on the Kremlin website, demands the Russian government take measures to ensure the return of Russian citizens temporarily staying in Georgia, together with their luggage.
The document, which entered into force immediately, orders the Russian Foreign Ministry and other relevant departments to establish coordination with the Georgian authorities in resolving issues related to the safety of Russian citizens and their return home.
Moscow was forced to impose the travel ban to protect Russians from extremist actions ongoing in Georgia, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
The tensions between Russia and Georgia escalated sharply on Thursday and Friday after thousands of Georgian people gathered in front of the parliament building in downtown Tbilisi in protest against a Russian lawmaker's visit.
Georgian Parliament Speaker Irakli Kobakhidze resigned earlier on Friday amid the mass protests. At least 240 people, including 80 policemen, were injured in the riots and 305 participants in the rally were detained for various offenses.
Russia-Georgia relations have been tense for years over Abkhazia and South Ossetia as well as a brief armed conflict in August 2008.
体坛英语资讯:Ye Shiwen, Yan Zibei add silver, bronze for China at FINA Worlds
Sharing is Caring 分享就是关爱
各国家会给奥运冠军什么奖励?
体坛英语资讯:All-Star guard Lillard withdraws from FIBA Mens World Cup: report
体坛英语资讯:PSG launch new Parc des Princes experience to supporters
未婚女孩一定要知道的十件事
西班牙市长成罗宾汉 带头抢超市劫富济贫
未来盆栽可控制电脑
暮光之城男主角复出 因工作关系重回戏场
你学会游泳了吗?