11/05/2023 (Agence Europe) – The spokesperson for the European External Action Service on Thursday 11 May encouraged Georgia to align itself with the EU and other countries in their sanctions against Russia, including in the aviation sector, and to remain vigilant about any possible attempts to circumvent them. The day before, Russia had announced that it was lifting the ban on air travel to/from Georgia. “Due to EU sanctions, 95% of the Russian airplane fleet is not able to update and upgrade their airplanes, which is essential to maintain the necessary international technical and safety standards”, the spokesperson warned, adding that in light of the significant safety issues notified to Russia by the UN’s International Civil Aviation Organization, Georgia should not allow unsafe Russian aircraft on its territory. (CG)