Russia is lifting a seven-year ban on Borjomi, the popular Georgian
mineral water believed by many Russians to cure health ailments.
Gennady Onishchenko, Russia's chief sanitary official, has signed
the paperwork to allow the resumption of Borjomi imports, Itar-Tass
reported Thursday.
"All restrictions have been lifted," Onishchenko was quoted as saying.
Borjomi, produced in the city of Borjomi in Georgia since the 19th
century, was the most popular mineral water brand in the former Soviet
Union. It was credited with treating ailments such as kidney problems.
The Borjomi brand is now owned by a subsidiary of Russia's Alfa Group.
Along with Borjomi, three other Georgian sparkling water producers will be allowed to export to Russia, Itar-Tass said.
The mineral water ban came amid political tensions between Russia
and Georgia in 2006 and was seen widely as punishment meted out
to President Mikheil Saakashvili,
a foe of the Kremlin. Georgia last fall elected a Kremlin-friendly
prime minister who will assume most of the president's powers next year.
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