Russian lawmaker urges Georgia to bar Zourabichvili for “advancing Western interests”

First Deputy Chair of Russian Federation Council Committee on Foreign Affairs Vladimir Dzhabarov has urged Georgian authorities to ban former President Salome Zourabichvili from entering the country.

Dzhabarov made the statement on his Telegram channel, accusing Zourabichvili of using Georgia as a platform to advance the interests of Western intelligence services, Caliber.Az reports.

He further suggested that the Georgian government should address the issue by either barring her access to the country or placing her alongside former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, who is currently imprisoned in Georgia.

Dzhabarov claimed that if Zurabishvili is allowed to continue making public appeals to European institutions, including complaints about Russia’s alleged occupation of Georgia, it could harm the nation’s reputation and undermine the respect of its people.

On January 27, The Hill reported that former Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, currently in the United States, is leveraging personal connections to appeal to President Donald Trump’s concept of a “strong America.” She has urged the US to step up efforts to protect Georgia from Russia, asserting that Russia is using Georgia as a “playground.”

Zourabichvili’s appeal highlights concerns over Russian influence in the region and seeks increased US intervention to counteract what she views as aggressive behavior by Moscow.

In related developments, the Prime Minister of Georgia has recently called for an end to what he termed ‘liberal fascism,’ reflecting the ongoing political tensions within the country.

By Vafa Guliyeva