Georgian authorities changing toponymy of Javakhk

PanARMENIAN.Net - Significant changes in the toponymy of Dzhavakhk are taking place: names of mountains, rivers and geographical locations are completely changed. For instance, the mountain Tavshanka is now called Amiranis, Vahe Sargsyan, expert of the  Mitq analytical center told  a press conference in Yerevan today. Toponymy is also  changed by partial edition of names, that is, adding "I" at the end of the original name, like the river Parvana is now called "Paravani". 



"Even such adjectives as "great" or "small" translated into Georgian. For example, Small Samsar, is now called "Didi Samsari"," Mr. Sargsyan said. 



Vahe Sargsyan noted that the Georgian authorities are violating the Council of Europe Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, ratified by the Georgian Parliament in 2005. According to the Convention in areas traditionally inhabited by national minorities it is necessary to ensure usage and application of traditional place names. 



Vahe Sargsyan stressed the Armenians of Javakheti perceive the local place names as Armenian and do not accept the changes.