ARMENIA CALLS FOR PEACEFUL RESOLUTION AFTER SEVERAL ARRESTS IN GEORGIA’S JAVAKHETI AREA

Interfax News Service
July 30 2008
Russia

Yerevan hopes for friendly relations with Tbilisi and a peaceful
resolution of the problems in the Georgian area of Samtse-Javakheti,
populated by Armenians, said Armenian Foreign Minister Edvard
Nalbandian.

"Our relations must be based on mutual understanding and friendship. I
am certain that there should not be any unsolvable problems between
our countries," Nalbandian told a press conference on Wednesday,
concerning the aggravated situation in Samtskhe-Javakheti.

"Armenia is closely following the events in Javakheti. Hopefully,
all issues will be settled peacefully," the minister said.

It was reported that in the late hours of July 20 – early hours
of July 21 Georgian special forces and police broke into the house
of the chief of the United Javahk organization, Vaagn Chakhalian,
and arrested him and his family members. Shortly after their arrest
Chakhalian and his relatives were moved to the administrative center
of Samtskhe- Javakheti, Akhaltsikha, and then to Tbilisi. Another
United Javahk member, Aram Batoyan, has also been arrested.

"We attach great importance to our relations with Georgia, and
we will do everything in our power to make them even stronger,"
Nalbandian said.

The minister also said he will visit Georgia on September 13-14.