March 14, 2006 - 17:17 AMT
Georgian Authorities Responsible for Incidents against Armenians in Javakheti
The Council of Javakhk NGO many times urged Armenian authorities to pay proper attention to problems of Armenians in Javakheti, to recognize the political element in those problems. These calls were not answered, says a statement of the Council. The message notes, «Encouraged by Armenian party's indifference, the Georgian party became more unruly. Three incidents against Armenians happened within the past month, including the Georgian Orthodox Church establishing a Diocese in the territory of Armenia and murder of an Armenian in Tsalka.»

Statement authors keep the Georgian authorities and the Georgian Orthodox Church responsible for all incidents. «Armenian authorities also have their share of responsibility - they did nothing to solve Javakheti problems. By their neutral stance they allow the Georgian chauvinists acting that is fraught with dangerous consequences,» the Council believes.

The statement calls to censure planned actions against Armenians, discrimination and bind the Armenian authorities to demand that Georgian authorities punish instigators of actions against Armenians. «We demand that Armenian authorities along with those of Georgia plan measures to solve all issues in Javakheti in a fair manner. Javakhk Council will do its best to protect Armenians in Javakheti and not to admit forcing out Armenians from Georgia. In case it is necessary, it will counteract anti-Armenian provocation,» the statement says.