Information about transfer of Norashen Armenian church to GOC is canard of Russian media, Baku saysMay 21, 2008 - 18:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The information about transfer of Norashen Armenian church under the jurisdiction f the Georgian Orthodox Church is a "provocation of Russian media," Azeri political scientist Rasim Musabekov. "It was supposed that 'indignant' Armenians will prefer pro-Russian candidates to Saakashvili's team during the parliamentary elections," he said. "The current Armenia-Georgia relations can be described as 'better a bad peace than a good quarrel', because Georgia experiences problems in normalizing relations with neighbors and opposition with Armenia will result in a new wave of Javakhetians' autonomy claims. On the other hand, Armenia's only outlet to the sea lies through Georgia. Complete isolation would be a calamity for it. So, despite Kremlin's instigations, Armenia will not strain relations with official Tbilisi," Musabekov concluded, 1news.az reports. Last week the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church expressed indignation at the encroachment on Saint Norashen Church and its surroundings instigated by Father Tariel Sikinchelashvili of the Georgian Orthodox Church. Saint Norashen Church was built in the middle of 15th century. In 1930-ies along with other places of worship, it was closed and used as a book depository. After restoration of state independence, the Georgian government did not return the Church to its legal historical owner. During the recent several days a brigade of workers has been building an iron fence with depiction of religious elements typical for the Georgian Orthodox Church. The Armenian Diocese views the act as violation of the agreement to find a civilized solution to the problem of belonging of Saint Norashen and four other churches in Tbilisi. Meanwhile, Father Tariel informed that in the near future he plans to start "reconstruction works" within the church for holding divine services by Georgian clergy. The AAC Georgian Diocese called the Patriarchy of the Georgian Orthodox Church to take action to prevent infringement of constitutional rights and to observe the agreement, violation of which can bring to irreparable injury. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia calls for prohibiting threats of attacks on nuclear facilities Armenia has raised the need for a treaty prohibiting attacks on nuclear facilities devoted to peaceful purposes. Ameriabank's Trade Finance portfolio enriched with four prestigious awards from EBRD and IFC Ameriabank received the awards from international financial institutions in recognition of its trade finance operations. Armenian Economy Minister to make trip to UAE May 20-22 A delegation led by Minister of Economy Gevorg Papoyan will travel to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi on May 20-22 Armenia Security Council chief traveling to Qatar Secretary of the Security Council of Armenia Armen Grigoryan will travel on a working visit to Qatar. |