Swiss and Irish told to cancel trips to Georgia

Swiss and Irish citizens have been urged by their respective governments to avoid all non-essential travel to the war-torn Republic of Georgia. This news comes only two days after the United Kingdom issued a similar advisory for British passport holders. Switzerland is now asking that all Swiss citizens currently in Georgia leave the country as soon as possible. Swiss officials have gone as far as to promise financial aid to those Swiss passport holders who would like to flee, but do not have adequate funds to pay for their departure. Those seeking such financial help are being advised to contact the Swiss Embassy in the Georgian capital city of Tbilisi. According to media reports, at least one bus full of Swiss nationals has already left Georgia and it has safely arrived in Armenia.

Similarly to the Swiss, the Republic of Ireland is also advising its citizens against travelling to Georgia and those in this troubled country are being asked to consider leaving. Irish foreign ministry officials issued the warning as all signs point to a dramatic escalation in the war between Russia and Georgia. Media reports indicate that Russian troops have now invaded Georgia proper, after essentially gaining control over two breakaway territories. There are some fears that Russian troops may advance towards Tbilisi, even though an official at Russian foreign ministry has indicated that there were no plans for such an attack.