Mikhail Saakashvili: For those who hate Armenians I'll be ArmenianMay 24, 2007 - 19:27 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - "Georgia has always been a multi-national state, representatives of various nations have always lived here, but they have also been Georgians, since they lived and struggled like Georgians for their homeland," Georgian President Mikhail Saakashvili stated during an international symposium entitled "Globalization and Dialog between Civilizations". He reminded in due time some politicians used to make statements as if Mikhail Saakashvili and Zourab Zhvania are Armenians or Jews by descent and that's why they must not govern the country. "I want to say that I am 100% Georgian. But for those who hate Armenians I'll be Armenian. For those who dislike Azeris I'll be Azeri. For anti-Semites I'll be Jew," Saakashvili stated. "Just recently I was told that someone began to state that as if I am Ossetin by descent. And though I am Georgian, I do not object being Ossetin," Georgian President added, "Nowi Region" reports. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |