Russia Ready to Normalize Relations with Georgia
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Russia is ready to normalize relations with Georgia. However, she added that this will only happen if the Georgian government is willing.
Zakharova made her statement during a briefing on December 4. She said that the Georgian people should not become pawns in someone else’s game. This implies that Russia thinks Western countries are trying to interfere in Georgia’s internal affairs.
Western countries have been supporting peaceful protesters who disagree with the ruling party, Georgian Dream, for turning away from the EU path. Zakharova called these statements “monstrous” and said they show a lack of standards when it comes to non-interference in a country’s internal politics.
President Salome Zurabishvili sided with the protesters and told children to take to the streets. Zakharova responded by saying that this is not something an official should do, especially if their life’s work is to care for people. She called it “obscene” and said that it’s up to Georgian authorities to assess President Zurabishvili’s actions.
Russia has been critical of Western countries for interfering in Georgia’s internal affairs. They claim that the West is using “neocolonialism” tactics, which means trying to control another country like a colonial power. Russia also denies allegations that it interfered in the October 26 parliamentary elections, which many Georgians believe were rigged.
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