Russia has resumed issuing study, work and business visas to Georgians after a diplomatic row strained relations between the two countries. The Russian embassy in Tbilisi said Friday Moscow is reversing measures imposed during a bitter diplomatic row last year. "Since July 19 the consulate has been looking at the documents of those who wish to obtain a study, transit, work or business visa," embassy press attaché Zarina Gabieva told reporters. "The question of the allocation of tourist visas is still under consideration."Relations have been rocky between Moscow and Tbilisi since 2003, when the pro-Western Mikheil Saakashvili came to power in the former Soviet republic. They hit a new low when Tbilisi arrested four Russian army officers on suspicion of spying in late September. This prompted Moscow to withdraw its ambassador, impose financial sanctions against its southern neighbor and deport hundreds of Georgians. [More]
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