Georgian Ambassador to Armenia commented on his country’s recognition of Circassian genocide while refusing to recognize the 1915 Armenian Genocide.At news conference in Yerevan, Tengiz Sharmanashvili said the recognition was prompted by the Circassian nation’s being on the verge of destruction.

“Acknowledgement of Circassian genocide was initiated by the parliament, rather that the President or the government,” the Ambassador remarked, adding that as a representative of an executive authority he has no right to comment on the actions of the parliament.

However, he noted, “the parliament must have considered that the issue cannot be delayed any longer. “Circassian genocide recognition is in no way linked to Georgia’s position on Russia’s territorial integrity,” he stressed.

On May 20, Georgian parliament voted for recognition of 1763-1864 events as the genocide of Circassian people.