It’s time for Georgian authorities to listen to the demands of Javakhk
Armenians
ArmRadio.am
24.06.2006 13:55
Issues concerning Javakhk Armenians, particularly questions related
to reinforcement of political stability, defense of human rights and
improvement of socio-economic conditions, provision of the right to
use the Armenian language equally with the Georgian continue to remain
in the focus of non-governmental and other organizations. The-above
mentioned questions will be addressed today at the sitting of the NGO
of the "United Javakhk" democratic alliance," President of the "Sports
and Cultural Union of Javakhk" Vahagn Chakhalyan said in his interview
with "Radiolur" correspondent. Representatives of Armenian communities
of Akhalkalak, Aspindza, Akhaltskha, Ninotsminda and Tsalka regions are
participating in the conference. The Georgian authorities have already
developed concrete programs regarding some of the above-mentioned
questions. For instance, recently the Georgian Government provided
about US$700 thousand to Georgian citizens – victims of natural
disasters – to move to Javakhk. These 220 families will be settled in
Tsalka, Akhalkalak and Ninotsminda regions. In the opinion of Javakhk
Armenians, these are not Georgians, as it is officially presented,
but Svans, who months ago became a reason of an interethnic clash.
The Georgian side explains this with the fact that the houses in the
Javakhk are cheaper, but Javakhk Armenians consider this a policy of
gradually changing the demographic composition of the population.
"The right of using Armenian equally with the Georgia is also among
the primary concerns of Javakhk Armenian. We do not say the Georgian
is not necessary, we just say the Georgian language should not replace
the Armenian," Vahagn Chakhalyan said.