Russia stays out of Georgia's affairs unlike the West: Zakharova
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The Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson stresses that Russia focuses on developing trade, economic, and humanitarian ties with Georgia, not meddling in its affairs.
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Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova attends Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's annual news conference in Moscow, on January 18, 2023. (AP)
Russia strongly denies the allegations of meddling in Georgia's internal affairs made by the Georgian opposition, with Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova stating at a briefing that such actions are characteristic of the West.
In response to the allegations against Russia, the Russian diplomat said, "These accusations are entirely unfounded, and we firmly reject them."
Zakharova stressed, "I would like to remind those making such claims that we have no diplomatic relations with Georgia. Russia primarily focuses on developing trade, economic, and humanitarian ties with this country," adding, "Meanwhile, we do not interfere in other countries' domestic affairs; that is what the West does."
Zakharova stated that the West was effectively pressuring Georgian voters, compelling them to vote "as they should" in the parliamentary elections.
"Despite enormous pressure, the Georgian people spoke out in favor of stability and traditional values," the diplomat pointed out. When talking about Russia's interference, "if the shoe fits, the West should wear it," she added.
"They are doing this to cover up their own Western crimes," the diplomat explained.
Meanwhile, Zakharova expressed confidence that the Georgian people would not succumb to provocations and would determine for themselves who truly posed a threat to their country.
This comes after the Georgian Central Election Commission approved on November 16 the final results of the October 26 parliamentary elections, with the ruling Georgian Dream party securing 53.93% of the vote and 89 seats in parliament.
The approval came amid protests from pro-Western opposition members who refused to accept the election results.
The meeting was briefly interrupted when an opposition politician threw black paint at CEC Chairman Giorgi Kalandarishvili. This came after the opposition had demanded a recount of the election results.
On October 28, two days after the election, Georgia's President Salome Zourabichvili opposed the outcome of the national parliamentary election and urged citizens to join protests against the final results, which concluded that the Georgian Dream party secured 54% of the vote, while other opposition groups received between 3% and 11%.
