Controversial Monument Poses Diplomatic Challenge to Tbilisi

Civil Georgia, Georgia
Sept 23 2006

Plans to erect a monument to Armenian Gen. Gurgen Dalibaltyan in
predominately ethnic Armenian-populated Georgia’s southern city of
Akhalkalaki have triggered Baku’s angry reaction.

Gen. Dalibaltyan a native of Akhalkalaki district, who is currently
80 years old, will reportedly be honored for his contribution in
fight against Azerbaijani’s troops in Nagorno-Karabakh in early 90s.

Local officials in Akhalkalaki say that funding to erect the monument
comes from "the Armenian sources," according to the Imedi television
stations.

A spokesman of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Tbilisi Elkhan Polukhanov
said on September 23 that the move will be perceived to be
"non-friendly" by Azerbaijani authorities.

"At first we want to know whether there is a relevant authorization
by the Georgian state agencies on creation of this monument… The
monument will definitely bring negative elements in relationship
between the two states – Georgia and Azerbaijan, which is in
a condition of war with Armenia," Elkhan Polukhanov told Imedi
television.