Member of the French parliament Roland Blum referred to violations of rights of Javakheti Armenians during his meetings with Georgian parliament and government members on the sidelines of a visit of French parliamentarians' delegation to Tbilisi on April 13-16, 2010.

During the meetings, Mr. Blum referred to the case of Javakheti politician Vahagn Chakhalyan, who was sentenced to 10 years of imprisonment on fabricated charges. The French parliamentarian noted that the Georgian authorities pursue political goals by persecuting the Javakheti activist. The Georgian officials, however, objected, labeling Chakhalyan as an "ordinary hooligan," who is serving his "just sentence."

Briefing Yerkir Union on the results of his discussions with the Georgian authorities, Mr. Blum assured that he will continue his efforts aimed at protecting the rights of Javakheti Armenians, specifically, he will take steps to raise the issue of Vahagn Chakhalyan during the PACE session due April 26-30, 2010, press office of Yerkir Union reported.