EN
24 June 2002 - 17:21 AMT

GEORGIA NOT UNDERTAKE OBLIGATIONS TO RETURN TURKS-MESHETINS TO REGIONS WHERE ARMENIANS RESIDE, GEORGIAN PARLIAMENTARIAN STATES

Georgia has never undertaken obligations for the return of Turks-Meshetins to the regions where Armenians reside. The first deputy chair of the foreign relations commission of the Georgian parliament Givi Shugarov has stated this in his interview with the «De-Facto» agency. According to him, in the 40-ies, 44 families were resettled from the Akhalkalaki region. So, according to him, when the matter concerns the return of the Turks-Meshetins, it does not apply to regions where Armenians reside. «Besides, we realize perfectly that location of the Turks-Meshetins in the regions where Armenians reside might change the demographic situation in the region in a certain way. This is an issue, which Armenia cannot remain indifferent about and we think of it with understanding», Givi Shugarov stated. According to him, taking any actions, the official Tbilisi will take into consideration the interest of the neighboring states and Georgia will never make foreign policy decisions that will be to the detriment of Armenia.