SITUATION IN JAVAKHK REACHED DEADLOCK OVER ABSENCE OF STEPS FOR CHANGING SITUATION
Yerkir
14.06.2006 16:44
YEREVAN (YERKIR) – The socio-economic problems of Javakhk are urgent
for the governments of Armenia and Georgia, chairman of “Javakhk”
friendly association Shirak Torosian stated in Yerevan. In his words,
the situation reached a deadlock because no one takes serious moves
to change the situation.
“No serious investigations are carried out to reveal the causes of the
tension. Instead some Armenian politicians make public statements that
conflict with the interests of Armenia and the Armenian population of
Samtskhe-Javakhetia. Sometimes it seems they do not even know where
Javakahk is located,” Torosian remarked.
Shirak Torosian underscored that the region is an Armenian historical
land with aboriginal population, which standing on a geopolitical
crossroad can play an important role for the improvement of the
Armenian-Georgian relations.
“The Georgian language is essential for the integration of Armenians
into the state structures. The Armenian language should be recognized
as the second state language in the region. It’s inadmissible to
prohibit it,” the association chairman said.
As for the idea of independence of the region, Torosian considers
that presently the necessity of raising the level of the local
administration is more urgent. “The Akhalkalaki authorities should
have the right to form the budget and deal with the cultural and
educational issues. Separatism is not in the interests of Armenians. If
Georgia becomes a federal state Javakhk will become a unit of the
federation. Unlike Abkhazia and South Ossetia we do not strive for
separation,” Shirak Torosian stated.