Armenian Organization Demands Autonomy for Samtskhe-Javakheti Region

(Tbilisi, March 14, Civil Georgia) – The chairman of the Javakhk people’s movement, F. Torosyan, declared that Samtskhe-Javakheti Region [part of Georgia with a large ethnically Armenian population] must become an autonomous part of Georgia, Armenian news agency Mediamax reports on March 14.

Torosyan stated that peace talks are the most acceptable way of achieving autonomy for Javakheti.

“I do not think that the demand is a demonstration of extremism, separatism or hostility toward the Georgian people,” Torosyan stated.

Samtskhe-Javakheti region borders with Armenia. The absolute majority of Akhalkalaki population, main town of Javakheti, is ethnic Armenians.