Russian Military Were Guarantors of Javakheti Armenians' Security
The withdrawal of the Russian military base from Akhalkalaki has a psychological motive for the Armenians of the region, Shirak Torosian, the head of "Javakhk" friendly association. In his words, besides the loss of 4000 work places Armenians feel unprotected. "The Russian military were the guarantors of security and stability. The matter is who will replace them. If NATO troops come Armenians fear it will be a Turkish contingent," Torosian said.
When commenting on the supposed return of Turks-Meskhetians to the region, Torosian remarked this step by the Georgian government is targeted at infringement of the right of the local inhabitants, both Georgians and Armenians. "Turks-Meskhetians used to live in the villages of the Aspindz and Akhaltsikh regions. These villages were long ago settled by Georgians and it would be inhuman to exile them. There are large uninhabited territories in Georgia and the repatriates should settle down there.
When commenting on the supposed return of Turks-Meskhetians to the region, Torosian remarked this step by the Georgian government is targeted at infringement of the right of the local inhabitants, both Georgians and Armenians. "Turks-Meskhetians used to live in the villages of the Aspindz and Akhaltsikh regions. These villages were long ago settled by Georgians and it would be inhuman to exile them. There are large uninhabited territories in Georgia and the repatriates should settle down there.
