We want to know what’s going on with the planes that are flying back to Russia, Jim O’Brien, the Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination, U.S. Department of State, said in the Senate. He was asked by Senator Jeanne Shaheen about his visit to Georgia and what was happening in the country regarding sanctions against Russia.

“I think it is encouraging that the customs authorities of Georgia are taking real steps to limit the shipment of goods to Russia that are used on the battlefield.

We want to make sure that they have full control over the movement of cargo within the borders of Georgia, be it air or road borders. It takes a lot of help, but they are good partners.

The issue now needs to move forward and a clear assessment should be made about what is happening with regard to the recently resumed air flights between Georgia and Russia”, - said Jim O"Brien.

Senator Shaheen also asked him if resuming flights was an issue the US was concerned about, as it would open up the possibility of circumventing sanctions.

“I wouldn’t say we’re concerned, but there’s definitely a possibility and we want to make sure we know what’s flying on with the planes that are going back to Russia”, - responded Jim O’Brien.

EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan, Head of the Office of Sanctions Coordination at the US State Department, Ambassador James O’Brien, and Director General, Economics, Science and Technology at the UK Foreign Office, Kumar Iyer, visited Georgia on June 27.