Georgian parliament calls back Turks Meskhetians but not to JavakhetiJune 23, 2007 - 15:18 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - With 134 votes 'for' and 14 'against' the Georgian parliament passed June 22 the bill "On repatriation of persons expelled from Georgia by soviet authorities in 1940-ies". The legislation provides for return of Turks Meskhetians to Georgia.Democratic Front faction member Ivlian Khaindrava said it was high time to pass the bill. "Each state should have a law on repatriation. However there should be a law regulating the process of stepwise return of Meskh Muslims, their adaptation in the Georgian society and settlement sites. The most important point here is that the issue of citizenship of the repatriates should be decided by the Georgian parliament but not the government," he said. For her part, Georgian Parliament Speaker Nino Burjanadze underscored that the government will not create special conditions for the repatriates. "Georgia is not so rich. However we will do our best to ensure normal life for the repatriates. Turks Meskhetians will settle in different regions of Georgia but not in Samtskhe Javakheti, from where were deported," she said, Georgian media 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 |