November 1, 2006 - 17:03 AMT
Georgia Ready to Exchange Territories with Azerbaijan
Within the framework of talks on delimitation and demarcation of borders with Azerbaijan the Georgian side is ready for exchange of nearborder territories, said Georgian Deputy FM Georgy Mangajaladze. Tbilisi is interested in return of David-Gareji, a Georgian architectural complex a part of which has been on Azerbaijan's territory since the soviet period. Some 20 cave monasteries of David-Gareji situated 60 km southeast from the Georgian capital city was founded in early 6th century. Frescoes with portraits of historical figures have been preserved in them for 8-14 ages.
Georgian sources do no announce which territories can be given in exchange for David-Gareji. According to Georgy Mangajaladze, the state committees achieved agreement on 300 km out of 460 km of the border. At the same time he remarked that it's premature to speak of the terms of signing an agreement of delimitation and demarcation of borders yet, reported Lenta.ru.