Prepared by Messenger Staff
Zakharova Says Georgia's Independence Is 'A Bone Stuck in the West's Throat'
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova claimed the West is trying to interfere in Georgia's internal affairs because of the country's independent policies.
Speaking at a briefing, Zakharova said Georgia had become an example of what she described as unprecedented Western interference in the affairs of a sovereign state.
"If we are talking about the international agenda related to sovereignty, independence and non-interference in internal affairs, then modern Georgia is a clear example of unprecedented interference in the affairs of a state that possesses all the characteristics of sovereignty," she said.
Zakharova argued that the Georgian government's pursuit of what she described as policies based on national interests had angered Western countries.
"Tbilisi's desire to pursue an independent policy focused on national interests and its own people is perceived by the collective West as a direct challenge, as a bone stuck in its throat," she said.
She also accused Western governments of seeking to remove Georgia's current leadership.
"This irritates representatives of the West so much that they are directly prepared to use every lever of influence to remove a government they do not like, simply because it serves the interests of its own people, simply because it knows its people and its history and builds its future on that basis, rather than serving those who have no connection whatsoever with the Georgian people or its history," Zakharova said.
Saakashvili Criticizes Planned Demolition of Rike Tubes
Former President Mikheil Saakashvili criticized the planned demolition of the Rike Tubes during a court hearing in the sabotage case, saying the landmark belongs to the Georgian people.
"Don't you understand that the Rike Theatre built on Rike in Georgia is not Saakashvili's whim? It belonged to you, and they are taking it away from you and demolishing it," Saakashvili said.
He said the building was designed by Italian architect and urban planner Massimiliano Fuksas and described it as an internationally recognized project.
"It was a brilliant creation by Massimiliano Fuksas, which was named the best project of the year worldwide. It belonged neither to Saakashvili nor to any individual contractor or artist. It belonged to you, and they are taking it away from you and demolishing it," he said.
Tbilisi City Hall confirmed it had issued a permit to demolish the Rike Tubes.
The municipality said the permit was issued under a 2025 government decree, which provides for the site's redevelopment as a hotel complex that may require demolition of the existing structure.
