Russian experts will be allowed into the US-built, Tbilisi Lugar Centre only with the presence of international delegates, within the convention on prohibition of biological weapons, and not in a bilateral format as Russia demanded earlier today, Georgian Prime Minister’s Special Representative in Relations with Russia Zurab Abashidze told IPN.
Russia, which has been demonising the center for many years and claims that the US funds 'dangerous experiments’ there, has been invited to the centre many times. However, Russia has consistently refused to take up the invitation.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said today that they want ‘access to all blocks and the documentation of the centre with no presence of international organisations.’
It is regrettable that Russia has chosen days when foreign states are congratulating Georgia on its independence Day to make such sharp statements. The activities of the Lugar Centre are absolutely transparent and information about the centre and its role is completely available. The center has played a crucial role in Georgia’s fight against the coronavirus,” Abashidze said.
He stated that Russia’s attacks on the Lugar Centre, which is under the full control of the Georgian government, have political grounds.