Israeli officials squirmed in embarrassment on Friday over Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman’s ringing endorsement of Russia’s contested parliamentary elections as “free and democratic.” Lieberman’s comments, which were reported by Russian news agency Itar-Tass, come as Moscow struggles with a wave of protests over allegations of vote rigging in last Sunday’s elections.
Top world diplomats have also expressed grave concerns over the outcome of the vote, which observers say was marred by widespread irregularities. “Such praise is appalling and deeply embarrassing. These remarks in no way reflect our official position,” a senior government official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Such comments give “an extremely bad impression” he said, adding that the Moldovan-born former bouncer had made his remarks “without consulting” with other Israeli officials. In a televised meeting with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow earlier this week, Lieberman said he had been briefed by a small delegation of Israeli observers, including an MP from his ultranationalist Israel Beitenu party.
“Their answer was quite clear: The elections were absolutely fair, free and democratic. This is my opinion because I rely on our observers,” he was quoted as saying.
