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Russian embassy in Georgia partially resumes visas

TBILISI, May 29 (RIA Novosti) - Russia's embassy in Georgia said Tuesday it started issuing visas to certain categories of Georgian nationals after an eight month hiatus.

The embassy almost entirely stopped issuing Russian visas to Georgians in the midst of a diplomatic feud last September.

"Up to now, visas have only been granted on health grounds, when a person was in need of emergency medical aid, treatment or consultation. Now the corridor is being expanded to include members of families that have different citizenships [Russian and Georgian]," Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Kovalenko said.

He also said the embassy will start issuing visas on private invitations from close relatives, as well as to Georgian citizens who have a right to reside in Russia on a temporary basis.

Russian-Georgian relations worsened last fall following the arrest of four Russian intelligence officers on September 26, 2006. The Russian ambassador was recalled to Moscow, transport links with Georgia were suspended, and visa restrictions were introduced.