US after power change in Georgia following last elections: Russian SVR
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Russia's intelligence service accuses the Biden administration of devising a large-scale information campaign to undermine the ruling Georgian Dream party.
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Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, speaks at a joint news conference with foreign ministers of Baltic and Nordic states during her trip to Georgia in Tbilisi, Georgia, on May 15, 2024. (AP)
The United States is aiming for a power transition in Georgia following the country's parliamentary elections on October 26, the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) said on Tuesday.
The SVR accused the Biden administration of devising a large-scale information campaign to undermine the ruling Georgian Dream party, adding that instructions have been given to opposition forces to ignite nationwide protests coinciding with the elections.
"Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili should play a key role in inciting anti-government sentiment," the SVR's statement read, adding, "As planned by the 'Washington directors,' the head of state will give an interview to one of US media, in which [s]he will blame the Georgian government for the 'degradation' of the negotiation process on Tbilisi's accession to the EU, warn the 'general public' about the 'catastrophic consequences of rapprochement with Moscow."
The SVR also said that the US plan for the transition of power will ensue through "sacred sacrifice" during the protests, where the "anger of the nation" will be directed at the security forces.
Georgia ruling stresses commitment to state interests
Tbilisi Mayor and Georgian Dream party Secretary-General Kakha Kaladze emphasized his party's dedication to Georgia's national interests on June 6, following the United States' imposition of visa restrictions on members of the party.
The United States had sanctioned Georgian Dream Party officials due to Tiblisi passing a law targeting NGOs with the aim of limiting foreign influence in the country.
Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, announced on June 6 that the US Government had placed visa restrictions on "dozens" of Georgian individuals as part of its initial round of sanctions.
"This does not change our attitude towards the homeland, it does not change our decision when it comes to the interests of the country, the future of this country. No one is afraid of these sanctions," Kaladze stressed.
Kaladze also expressed the government’s willingness to "reboot" the strategic partnership with the United States and foster "genuine and healthy" relations despite the sanctions.
