Today, Azerbaijan
Sept 23 2006

Azeri official: "Monument to Armenian general can harm Azeri-Georgian
relations"

23 September 2006 [15:58] – Today.Az

A monument to Armenian general Gurgen Dalibaltian who fought against
Azerbaijan during a war in Nagorno Karabakh will be erected in
Akhalkalaki.

APA Bureau in Georgia reports that this intention of Armenians was
not welcomed in Georgia. Georgian living in Akhalkalaki, Soso Tetavdze
says that monuments to Georgian martyrs haven’t been erected yet but
Armenians want to make a monument to an Armenian here. "We are to
blame," he said.

Akhalkalaki Mayor Artur Yerimyan said they have consulted all bodies
of the city and there is no concern for making the monument.

MP and Armenian-language Vrastan newspaper editor-in-chief Van Bayburt
says Dalibaldyan was born in Georgia and a good-will man for Georgia
but he didn’t get the rank of Colonel-general in Garabagh War.

Chairman of foreign affairs committee of the Georgian Parliament,
Konstantin Gabashvili says it is necessary to request local authorities
and governor’s office to take measures if the monument causes standoff
in the region.

Azerbaijan’s embassy in Georgia spokesman Elkhan Polukhanov told
APA bureau that relevant bodies of Azerbaijan were informed of the
happenings.

"Azerbaijan’s embassy notified Georgian Foreign Ministry orally. We
contacted Georgian Culture, Monuments and Sport Ministry. Ministry
representative Zurab Chipashvili told us that the monument can be
made if the ministry permits. But Deputy Minister Nika Vasheishvili
said the decision of local authorities is enough if the place for
monument is suitable. Azerbaijan will make an official reaction if it
is confirmed that Georgian officials authorize the monument building.

We know that Georgia is tolerant toward all nations living here. But
permitting construction of this monument can harm friendship between
our countries," he said.

Georgian officials didn’t take a stance on the issue.

80-year-old Armenian General Dalibaltyan approved the place for his
8-meter-high monument.

URL: