Mixed messages from Russian MFA on Georgia. Today, FM Sergei Lavrov says that he hopes that “in the near future” flights to TBS can be resumed. Says only, “The main thing for us is that the Russophobia campaign in Tbilisi is not inflated.”
tass.ru/ekonomika/8293… 1/5
A few days ago MFA spokeswoman (and ideological attack dog) Zakharova again lashed out at the Lugar Center in Tbilisi, a biological research facility which has helped Georgia contain the pandemic, accusing the US of plotting biological warfare.
tass.com/politics/11463… 2/5
Lavrov also mentions the possibility of opening up mutual “trade representations” in Moscow and Tbilisi, says he regrets the rupture of diplomatic relations (but fails to mention the reason for them, Russia’s unilateral recognition of Abkhazia and S Ossetia in 2008!) 3/5
For what it's worth: more evidence that Russia's two main Georgia policies are frequently in contradiction. One prioritizes trade + communications, wants to see 2011 Swiss trade corridors deal enacted; other doubles down on Abkhazia and SO, aims to keep Georgia insecure. 4/5
Lavrov (whose father is Tbilisi born) seems to main advocate of the former. I was told that he opposed suspending flights last summer, was overruled by Putin. I have never heard him speak enthusiastically about Russia’s Abkhazia and SO policy. 5/5
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