Georgian Parliament official urges Ukraine to take responsibility for its citizens at Dariali border crossing

David Matikashvili, an MP from the ruling Georgian Dream party and Chair of the Georgian Parliament’s Committee on Procedural Issues and Rules, on Saturday called on Ukraine to fulfil its obligations towards its citizens stranded at the Dariali border checkpoint.

In his remarks, Matikashvili emphasised that Ukraine must take responsibility for ensuring the safe transportation of its citizens through Georgian territory.

“Ukraine must ensure the transportation of its citizens - naturally, through the territory of Georgia. We have no intention of allowing individuals whose past, documentation, and relevant assumptions do not comply with the legislative regulations in place in Georgia to cross the border”, Matikashvili said.

Aleksandre Darakhvelidze, the Deputy Interior Minister of Georgia, on Saturday reiterated Georgia's full readiness to take all necessary measures to assist Ukraine in the repatriation of its citizens stranded in the “neutral zone” at the Dariali border crossing.

In his remarks, Darakhvelidze noted that the Georgian Government was even prepared to cover the costs of their return and had proposed multiple mechanisms, including air and sea routes, to facilitate their safe evacuation to Ukraine.