"We are interested in there being good relations between Russia and the EU, because Georgia-related issues will be then addressed in their dialogue," Georgian First Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Chechelashvili told a news briefing in the foreign ministry after talks with EU representatives.
He said that international norms must be complied with everywhere, whether it be Georgia, Russia or the EU.
On the issue of visa regulations, the official spoke in favor of simplifying procedures. He said Georgia had already eased these regulations for EU nationals.
"They can now stay in Georgia without a visa for up to 90 days," he said, adding that Georgia wanted reciprocity from the EU. However, he continued, the introduction of visa-free regulations or a simplified procedure could clash with the problem of illegal emigrants.
"There are a lot of our citizens illegally living in EU countries. We must assume the responsibility of returning them," Chechelashvili said.
