February 5, 2009 - 15:58 AMT
Arrest of Javakheti Armenians regular provocation of Georgian government
The recent arrest of Javakheti Armenians and accusation of spying for Russia is nothing but a regular provocation of Georgian leadership, Russia's Ambassador to Armenia said.

Meanwhile, Nikolay Pavlov refrained from commenting on the actions of the Georgian authorities as regards the Armenian organizations in Javakhk.

Asked about the difference between the right to self-determination of Nagorno Karabakh and that of Abkhazia and Ossetia, recognized by Russia, Ambassador Pavlov said that "as the Co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, Russia will support decisions taken within this structure."

He also refuted hearsay on construction of second Russian military base in Armenia.

As to formation of CSTO rapid reaction force, the Ambassador said that the agreement was signed yesterday and any discussion would be premature yet.