AZG Armenian Daily #078, 30/04/2005

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OFFICIAL VISIT OF ARMENIAN PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION TO GEORGIA

Artur Baghdasarian, chairman of RA National Assembly, met with Mikheil
Saakashvili, President of Georgia. On the eve of the meeting Mikheil
Saakashvili visited Ninotsmina region that has many Armenian residents
where a new Armenian school will be established. Mr. President assured
that the Georgian authorities began settling the issues of
Akhalkalaki. It is envisaged to repair the roads leading to
Akhalkalaki, Akhaltskha and Tbilisi, as well as the inner road network
of Akhalkalaki.

Saakashvili said that the withdrawal of the Russian military bases
from Akhalkalaki will affect the social-economic situation of the
region’s residents. In response to Artur Baghdasarian’s question about
the social-economic situation of the Armenians living in Akhalkalaki,
Saakashvili said that that everything is being done to solve all the
existing problems there. As for the issue of using the Abkhazian
railroad, Saakashvili gave consent of the Georgian side. It’s worth
reminding that two weeks ago Artur Baghdasarian received the consent
of the Russian side.

Afterwards, Artur Baghdasarian met with Nino Burjanadze, speaker of
the Georgian parliament. In the course of the press conference held by
both speakers, they emphasized the importance of Georgian-Armenian
friendly relations and assured that they will spare no efforts to
contribute to the development of these relations.

Artur Baghdasarian stated that he received the consent of all the
sides in the issue of utilizing the Abkhazian railroad, adding that in
case the political will is displayed the financial investments will be
made.

Nino Burjanadze assured that the issue of the social-economic
situation of the Armenians dwelling in Akhalkalaki is in the center of
the Georgian authorities’ attention. The hard socio-economic situation
of the region is explained by the social-economic situation of the
country, as a whole. Burjanadze expressed satisfaction about the
position of the Armenian authorities in the issue of Akhalkalaki.

The speakers of both countries’ parliaments arranged to perform a
consistent program for the “Wider Europe. New Neighborhood”.

It is envisaged that the speakers of the parliaments of the three
South Caucasus republics, as well as the chairman of the Russian State
Duma will meet soon.

By Nana Petrosian