ARMENIAN TERRITORIAL CLAIMS AGAINST GEORGIA

AzerNews Weekly
Aug 20 2008
Azerbaijan

Armenians, who occupy part of Azerbaijan`s land have now leveled
territorial claims against neighboring Georgia. A separatist Armenian
group, calling itself the Javakh Patriots, has issued a statement
demanding "independence."

The statement, uploaded to the low-profile Khronika (Chronicles)
website, is also addressed to Georgia`s breakaway republic of South
Ossetia.

The appeal begins with a "congratulatory" message. Claiming to speak
for the large Armenian population residing in Georgia`s Javakhetia
region, the group went on to congratulate Ossetians on their "victory"
in regaining their land.

"Despite grave consequences, the Ossetians succeeded in regaining
their land, with the aid of powerful Russia," the Armenian group said,
expressing confidence in setting themselves free "with the help of
their Russian brethren."

Pro-Western Georgia launched an offensive on August 8 to retake the
pro-Russian region of South Ossetia. Moscow retaliated by sending in
troops which pounded Georgian positions. Georgian forces had gained
control over the capital of the breakaway province, Tskhinvali, but
had to retreat a day later after a Russian attack. The hostilities
were brought to a halt after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered
to end Russia`s military action in Georgia on August 12, but tensions
remain high in the region.

The statement also maintained that, since July 15, Georgian special
troops have been conducting operations in Javakhetia to shut down
Armenian organizations operating in the region and to arrest their
leaders. The crackdown, according to the group, began after the
withdrawal of Russia`s military bases.

The group alleged that the Georgian government plans to oust the
Armenian population from the region and, instead, settle Meskhet
Turks there, at the request of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Javakhetia
Armenians further said that, with the help of Russia, they would
counter attempts by anyone "to drive them from their own land."

"Javakhetia is an ancient Armenian territory, and our Russian brethren
should not allow Saakashvili [Georgian President] to do this," the
Armenian group said and vowed to struggle against Georgia `till the
very end.`

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress