AMBASSADOR OF GEORGIA TO RA: OPENING OF VERIN LARS CANNOT BE A START FOR NORMALIZATION OF RUSSIA-GEORGIA RELATIONS

Noyan Tapan
March 11, 2010

YEREVAN, MARCH 11, NOYAN TAPAN. The Armenian-Georgian relations cannot
be characterized by diplomatic terms as they are brotherly relations.

Ambassador of Georgia to RA Grigol Tabatadze stated at a March
11 press conference. In his words, the two countries’ Presidents,
Foreign Ministers, and peoples are on very good terms. In response to
the question of why the Georgians prohibit transportation of Armenian
literature to Javakhk G. Tabatadze said that the prohibition only
regards textbooks. In his words, only textbooks confirmed by a proper
department should be used in Georgian schools. When the journalists
said that Armenian-language fiction’s transportation to Armenian is
also prohibited, the Ambassador said that he has not such information.

Speaking about the problem of Armenian churches in Georgia G.

Tabatadze said that there were many facts in history when churches
were destroyed but the Georgians "found strength in themselves to
restore them." He assured that the destroyed Armenian churches will be
restored without fail. In Ambassador’s words, a new law on religion
is planned to be adopted in Georgia which will meet the interests of
Georgia’s national minorities and democratic values.

As to the opening of the Verin Lars check-point G. Tabatadze said
that it is a positive fact but cannot be a start for normalization of
the Russia-Georgia relations. "We continue holding the opinion that
our territories should be disoccupied," the Ambassador said. In his
words, Georgia has no financial interest from the operation of the
Verin Lars check-point and agreed to open it "for its friends."