This week Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that Russia recognizes the acting president of Bolivia, Senator Janine Agnes as head of state, but only until an election is organized. This decision was made due to the fact that it was she who was to take the place of the interim head of the republic in accordance with the law after the resignation of the leadership. At the same time, the events preceding the change of power in the country, the Russian side regards as a coup.
During the November 14 press birefing, a spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova further clarified the position of Russia towards the crisis (source):
Question: Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov confirmed that Russia recognises Jeanine Anez as Bolivia’s interim president. What would be your comment?
Maria Zakharova: It is true that Sergey Ryabkov said when answering questions from journalists that Russia will treat Jeanine Anez as “Bolivia’s leader,” but he went on to add that this will last “until the election takes place.” There has to be clarity on this point in terms of the words we use. We are not talking about recognising what happened in Bolivia as a legitimate process. This is not something we are dealing with here.
We have already shared our perspective with the international community. Let me remind you that Russia expressed its concern with what had happened in Bolivia. In the course of a domestic political crisis in the country the government’s determination to find constructive dialogue-based solutions was wiped out by developments typical of a well-orchestrated government coup. We have not changed our perspective since.
We also took note of the subsequent developments when, unfortunately, senior government officials were removed from office and left the country. You are also aware of the fact that Russia called on all political forces in Bolivia to use their best judgement and show responsibility in order to find a constitutional way out of this situation in the interests of peace and calm, putting government institutions back in control, ensuring the rights of all citizens and promoting the country’s socioeconomic development.
It is against this backdrop that the statement by Sergey Ryabkov must be interpreted.
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