Naturally, this decision is good and commendable. My personal standpoint is that no barriers should exist in people-to-people relations, – Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze said when commenting on the Russian President’s recent decision.

According to the Head of the Georgian Government, people-to-people relations are a crucial issue and significant progress has been achieved in this direction in the past few years.

“As for what happened Sunday night, those pathological phrases that we heard are absolutely unacceptable to anyone thinking rationally, especially to our nation, those who are proud of their culture and values. We are a responsible government always focused on national interests.

Georgia is facing very painful challenges and we all must understand that overcoming these challenges is only possible through unity and consolidation. Totally unacceptable is an attempt to polarize Georgian society. Consequently, I once again urge everyone to show responsibility with regard to any issue,” Bakhtadze stated.

“The Government will not let anyone make Georgia a hostage to an aggressive agenda, be it in domestic or foreign policy,” PM added.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on July 9 that he was against the imposition of sanctions on Georgia. “I would not do this because of respect for the Georgian people,” Russian president was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti News Agency.

The Russian State Duma supported sanctions against Georgia earlier on July 9. The State Duma categorically condemned “continuous anti-Russian provocations” in Georgia and noted that “open attacks of the radical forces of this country further degrade Russia-Georgia relations.”