ARMENIANS ARE HOSTAGES IN RUSSIAN-GEORGIAN RELATIONS

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[06:58 pm] 03 October, 2006

Today Vahan Hovhannesyan, NA deputy speaker referred to the
Russian-Georgian relations and the difficulties Armenia might face
in case the Russian-Georgian antagonism deepens. He said, "I think
this is not the first case when Russia ignores the Armenian interests.

They expect a comprehensive approach by us. But I cannot understand
their position as in my opinion Russia, our military partner, willingly
or unwillingly, joins Armenia’s blockade".

Vahan Hovhannesyan maintains that release of the Russian officers
and their exile to Russia will significantly facilitate the Russian
stance towards Georgia. "As for the Georgians they might try to take
their revenge on Russia in other way, I cannot predict", says Vahan
Hovhannesyan.

Armenian-Russian intergovernmental session will be convened in the
nearest future where alongside with a number of issues, the Armenian
future will be discussed regarding the deterioration of Russian –
Georgian relations.

Asked about the Armenian-Georgian relations, taking into consideration
the fact there are a lot of Armenians are in custody in Georgia for
their attempt to enter Georgia illegally, Mr. Hovhannesyan answered,
"Our citizens have violated the Georgian law and we can do nothing on
this score". Tomorrow Dashnaktsutyun faction will arouse this question
in the National Assembly as "We don’t want to leave our citizens in
Georgia as hostages because of the discord among other countries".