**Lithuania Revokes Visa-Free Regime for Georgian Citizens: A Move that Sparks Concerns**
In a move that has sent shockwaves through the diplomatic community, Lithuania has decided to revoke the visa-free regime for Georgian citizens holding diplomatic and service passports. This decision was taken by the Lithuanian government on May 21, according to reports from Delfi.
**What does this mean?**
For those who may not be aware, Georgia had negotiated a special agreement with the European Union in 2010, which granted visa-free travel to Georgian citizens holding diplomatic and service passports. However, as Speaker of the Parliament of Georgia, Shalva Papuashvili, points out, this agreement was only made available to the elite of former President Mikheil Saakashvili’s regime, while ordinary citizens had to wait for another seven years to enjoy similar privileges.
**A gross and legally unfounded violation?**
Papuashvili has publicly condemned Lithuania’s decision as a “gross and legally unfounded violation” of the 2010 agreement. He emphasized that the European Union and its member states must respect international legal obligations and the rules-based international order. This move by Lithuania has sparked concerns among Georgian officials, who fear that this may set a precedent for other EU member states to follow.
**Not just Lithuania**
In fact, Estonia had already revoked the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic passports on May 8, making Lithuania’s decision part of a broader trend. The Lithuanian government has instructed its Ministry of Foreign Affairs to notify the European Commission and other EU member states of this decision within five working days.
**What does it mean for Georgia?**
For Georgia, this development is seen as a worrying sign that some EU member states may not be committed to upholding their international obligations. As Papuashvili pointed out, it was only in 2017, thanks to the efforts of the Georgian Dream government, that visa-free travel was opened up for ordinary citizens as well. This move by Lithuania and Estonia is seen as a step backward for Georgia’s relations with the EU.
**Stay tuned**
As this story continues to unfold, we will keep you updated on any developments. In the meantime, it is worth remembering that international agreements like the one between the European Union and Georgia are meant to promote cooperation and understanding among nations. It is essential that these agreements are respected and upheld by all parties involved.
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