Soviet-era dissident Alexander Bondarev, who left the USSR 30 years ago for France, wants to become a Georgian citizen, RFE/RL's Ekho Kavkaza (Echo of the Caucasus) reports.
Bondarev, who has been living in Paris for the past 30 years, told RFE/RL that he spent his youth in Tbilisi and loves Georgia.
"I love Georgia and see that it is on the right path, so I want to be a citizen of the country I love," Bondarev told RFE/RL.
He said he has visited Georgia regularly and now wants to live there permanently.
Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kandaladze confirmed to RFE/RL that Bondarev has applied for Georgian citizenship, and said that his application is being processed.
"Anyone has the right to apply for Georgian citizenship and enjoy dual citizenship status," she said.
Bondarev, who has been living in Paris for the past 30 years, told RFE/RL that he spent his youth in Tbilisi and loves Georgia.
"I love Georgia and see that it is on the right path, so I want to be a citizen of the country I love," Bondarev told RFE/RL.
He said he has visited Georgia regularly and now wants to live there permanently.
Georgian Deputy Foreign Minister Nino Kandaladze confirmed to RFE/RL that Bondarev has applied for Georgian citizenship, and said that his application is being processed.
"Anyone has the right to apply for Georgian citizenship and enjoy dual citizenship status," she said.