Tengrinews.kz - Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accused French President Emmanuel Macron of involvement in recent protests in Georgia, during an interview with VGTRK (All-Russia State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company) and RIA Novosti.
"The situation [in Georgia] is now moving towards stability, which is good. But once again, you see Macron's involvement. He can’t stay focused on his own country; he has to meddle in Georgia as well," Aliyev said.
He emphasized that Georgia is a vital partner and close friend of Azerbaijan, and any destabilization there negatively affects both countries.
"We are doing everything on our part to ensure that the situation in Georgia remains stable and politically guided, allowing for successful development. However, external interference persists. It has been revealed that thousands of non-governmental organizations in Georgia are funded by the West. Tens of thousands, if not more, work in these organizations and receive salaries. We know what this entails because, in the past, we had a similar situation in Azerbaijan. Back then, grant recipients and donors operated freely. But we put an end to this. Now, any grant from any organization—local or foreign—must undergo registration and approval by the relevant authorities," Aliyev explained.
Protests have been ongoing in Tbilisi for 20 days, with opposition groups rejecting the results of recent parliamentary and presidential elections. The opposition is supported by Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili, a former French citizen, whose term ends on December 29, when newly elected President Mikheil Kavelashvili is set to be inaugurated.
Earlier, a large-scale protest initiated by the opposition, which was demanding new elections, began again in Tbilisi.
