Lavrov Denies Russian Interference in Georgian Elections, Accuses West of Meddling
By Liza Mchedlidze
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
In an interview with Russia Today on November 5, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov denied allegations of Russian interference in Georgia's October 26 parliamentary elections, calling the claims an "outright lie". Lavrov accused the United States of projecting its own actions onto Russia, stating, "The Americans are trying to attribute to us what they themselves are doing." He added that Washington exploits the myth of Russian interference whenever political outcomes in foreign elections do not align with U.S. interests, claiming, "If, as a result of the election results, forces undesirable to the United States win somewhere, Russia is immediately 'blamed' for the 'wrong' choice of voters."
Lavrov further criticized the West, particularly the U.S. and the European Union, for what he described as "unprecedented interference" in Georgia's internal affairs and for applying "unscrupulous pressure" on Georgian authorities and voters. He accused the West of framing Georgia's electoral process as a binary choice between Russia and the West, calling it a "false fork in the road." According to Lavrov, this narrative ignores Georgia's sovereignty and national interests, framing the election instead as a choice between "traditional values and neoliberal attitudes imposed from outside."
Lavrov said Russia respects the Georgian people's decision and remains ready to continue efforts to normalize bilateral relations with Georgia. "The people of Georgia have made their choice," he said, "We treat them with respect."
