Armenian territorial claims against Georgia
Armenians, who occupy part of Azerbaijan`s land have now leveled
territorial claims against neighboring Georgia. A separatist
Armenian group, calling itself the Javakh Patriots, has issued a
statement demanding "independence."
The statement, uploaded to the low-profile Khronika (Chronicles) website, is also addressed to Georgia`s breakaway republic of South Ossetia.
The appeal begins with a "congratulatory" message. Claiming to speak for the large Armenian population residing in Georgia`s Javakhetia region, the group went on to congratulate Ossetians on their "victory" in regaining their land.
"Despite grave consequences, the Ossetians succeeded in regaining their land, with the aid of powerful Russia," the Armenian group said, expressing confidence in setting themselves free "with the help of their Russian brethren."
Pro-Western Georgia launched an offensive on August 8 to retake the pro-Russian region of South Ossetia. Moscow retaliated by sending in troops which pounded Georgian positions. Georgian forces had gained control over the capital of the breakaway province, Tskhinvali, but had to retreat a day later after a Russian attack. The hostilities were brought to a halt after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered to end Russia`s military action in Georgia on August 12, but tensions remain high in the region.
The statement also maintained that, since July 15, Georgian special troops have been conducting operations in Javakhetia to shut down Armenian organizations operating in the region and to arrest their leaders. The crackdown, according to the group, began after the withdrawal of Russia`s military bases.
The group alleged that the Georgian government plans to oust the Armenian population from the region and, instead, settle Meskhet Turks there, at the request of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Javakhetia Armenians further said that, with the help of Russia, they would counter attempts by anyone "to drive them from their own land."
"Javakhetia is an ancient Armenian territory, and our Russian brethren should not allow Saakashvili [Georgian President] to do this," the Armenian group said and vowed to struggle against Georgia `till the very end.`
The statement, uploaded to the low-profile Khronika (Chronicles) website, is also addressed to Georgia`s breakaway republic of South Ossetia.
The appeal begins with a "congratulatory" message. Claiming to speak for the large Armenian population residing in Georgia`s Javakhetia region, the group went on to congratulate Ossetians on their "victory" in regaining their land.
"Despite grave consequences, the Ossetians succeeded in regaining their land, with the aid of powerful Russia," the Armenian group said, expressing confidence in setting themselves free "with the help of their Russian brethren."
Pro-Western Georgia launched an offensive on August 8 to retake the pro-Russian region of South Ossetia. Moscow retaliated by sending in troops which pounded Georgian positions. Georgian forces had gained control over the capital of the breakaway province, Tskhinvali, but had to retreat a day later after a Russian attack. The hostilities were brought to a halt after Russian President Dmitry Medvedev ordered to end Russia`s military action in Georgia on August 12, but tensions remain high in the region.
The statement also maintained that, since July 15, Georgian special troops have been conducting operations in Javakhetia to shut down Armenian organizations operating in the region and to arrest their leaders. The crackdown, according to the group, began after the withdrawal of Russia`s military bases.
The group alleged that the Georgian government plans to oust the Armenian population from the region and, instead, settle Meskhet Turks there, at the request of Turkey and Azerbaijan. Javakhetia Armenians further said that, with the help of Russia, they would counter attempts by anyone "to drive them from their own land."
"Javakhetia is an ancient Armenian territory, and our Russian brethren should not allow Saakashvili [Georgian President] to do this," the Armenian group said and vowed to struggle against Georgia `till the very end.`
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