Return of Turks Meskhetians in Armenian-inhabited regions pregnant with negative consequences for Georgia
Return of Turks Meskhetians in the Armenian-inhabited regions of Georgia is pregnant with negative consequences, said Giorgi Gogsadze, director of the department of human geography at Tbilisi State University.
"Like 10 years ago, I do state now that the Council of Europe's urge on return of Turks Meskhetians to Georgia will do no good. But unfortunately, we are under pressure," Govsadze told Caucasus 2007 international conference.
"Armenian-inhabited Samtskhe Javakheti region has always been remarkable for loyalty toward the authorities. Armenians of Samtskhe Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli voted for pro-governmental forces at all elections. In 2003 they supported Eduard Shevarnadze; after the 'rose resolution' votes were given in favor of Mikheil Saakashvili. The same happened on January 5, 2008, although the official figure of 90 per cent of votes is exaggerated, since majority of Javakhetians usually leave for Armenia or Russia to earn living in winter" the Georgian expert said.
"Like 10 years ago, I do state now that the Council of Europe's urge on return of Turks Meskhetians to Georgia will do no good. But unfortunately, we are under pressure," Govsadze told Caucasus 2007 international conference.
"Armenian-inhabited Samtskhe Javakheti region has always been remarkable for loyalty toward the authorities. Armenians of Samtskhe Javakheti and Kvemo Kartli voted for pro-governmental forces at all elections. In 2003 they supported Eduard Shevarnadze; after the 'rose resolution' votes were given in favor of Mikheil Saakashvili. The same happened on January 5, 2008, although the official figure of 90 per cent of votes is exaggerated, since majority of Javakhetians usually leave for Armenia or Russia to earn living in winter" the Georgian expert said.
