“There is no security threat in the countries where our citizens are stuck, such as Thailand. Therefore, the government prioritises only those areas where there is a significant security risk,” stated Khatuna Totladze, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.
She dismissed as provocative any suggestion that the government is indifferent to the fate of citizens stranded abroad.
“It is important that the public be kept informed of the steps the state is taking to protect the rights of Georgian citizens, whether at home or abroad. We must be clear about where the state’s obligations begin and end concerning citizens effectively stuck in Thailand, by which I mean those who have encountered difficulties due to flight delays or cancellations, having planned to return via the airspace of Middle Eastern countries.
On the one hand, the state is obliged to protect its citizens’ rights and legitimate interests abroad; on the other, it assumes responsibility for their physical safety. In this regard, it is worth noting that the Georgian government’s decision to operate special flights in the Middle East region was by no means an ordinary one. Even states far wealthier than ours frequently limit themselves to issuing travel advisories; it is rare for any country to organise the active evacuation of its citizens from escalation zones. Where security risks are elevated, as in the Middle East, the state naturally assumes a greater degree of responsibility, including by arranging special flights so that citizens may choose a safe alternative route home.
In the case of countries such as Thailand, the Maldives, or indeed anywhere else in the world where Georgian citizens face return disruptions due to the closure of Middle Eastern airspace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is doing everything in its power to advocate for their rights, maintaining constant communication with the airlines and travel agencies that arranged their travel, including budget carriers that have in many cases refused to offer alternative flights or have issued refunds insufficient to cover onward travel costs. The Ministry, our Embassy in India, and I personally are in continuous contact with every citizen requiring our assistance in dealing with airlines or travel agencies.
Where there is no security risk, as is the case in Thailand, responsibility lies principally with the airlines and travel agencies, with whom we remain in active dialogue. Speculation that the state is indifferent to the fate of its stranded citizens is absolutely provocative and entirely unfounded. We are doing everything we can to help them return home.
The state’s foremost priority is citizen safety. When safety is at stake, there is no room for hesitation, even though far wealthier countries sometimes do no more than issue recommendations. Georgia has arranged multiple special flights to bring its citizens home safely.
Where no security risk exists, and citizens are abroad for tourism or business, we assist them in identifying return routes, working closely with airlines and travel agencies to help secure the most financially viable options for those concerned,” Totladze stated.