May 19, 2005 - 09:09 AMT
SAAKASHVILI: RUMOR ARMENIANS OPPRESSED IN GEORGIA NOT TRUE
«I do not know who is interested in Armenia in disseminating rumor that Armenians are oppressed in Georgia. To all appearance it is due to some political processes in Armenia, however it is not true,» stated Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili at a press conference in Warsaw. As the President considers, such rumor is not casual, they are due to the Georgian Government pursuing a policy of integration of national minorities for the first time. «We have a policy of appointment of representatives of national minorities for diverse offices, training administrative skills, a program of political and social development of all regions, where national minorities compactly live,» the President noted, adding that rumor that Armenians are oppressed in Georgia do not fit the interests of Tbilisi and Yerevan. «This morning I had a conversation with Robert Kocharian. We discussed the topic and it was noted that it does not meet the interests of the Armenian and Georgian peoples. Nothing and no one can divide us,» Saakashvili emphasized, noting Georgia historically did not have problems with Armenians, as well as Armenia did not have problems with Georgians ever. «Robert Kocharian is an advocate of the Armenian-Georgian relations and establishment of stability in Georgia, just like I root for stability in Armenia,» the Georgian President emphasized, Prime-News reported.