ARMENIANS OF ABKHAZIA HAVE NO PROBLEMS: COMMUNITY HEAD

news.am
Feb 25 2010
Armenia

Recent information that Armenians of Abkhazia are pursued is untrue,
Garegin Ghazaryan – head of Abkhazian Armenian community and
President’s Aide for Armenian affairs told NEWS.am.

Ghazaryan commented on information spread by Armenian media that
Abkhazian Armenians (30% of population) are recently pressurized.

According to some sources, Abkhazians stirred up by Russians demand
that Armenia recognizes independence of Abkhazia, otherwise they will
not be allowed to stay in the country.

"Armenians do not interfere in Abkhazia’s policy, they just live as
average citizens. Thank God, Armenians live and succeed. The number
of Armenians does not reduce but increase. Don’t worry about us,"
Ghazaryan said, recalling that NKR President Bako Sahakyan met with
local community in the course of his visit to Sokhumi for inauguration
ceremony of Sergei Bagapsh.

Ghazaryan also asked to assist Abkhazian Armenians to preserve their
national identity instead of spreading misinformation.