Ethnic Armenians Protest Against Closure of Russian Base

Hundreds of local residents in Akhalkalaki, a town in Georgia?s south-western region of Samtskhe-Javakheti which is predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians, rallied on March 31 in protest of the withdrawal of the Russian military base stationed in this town.

Protesters also demanded the improvement of existing social conditions in the town, including the solving of the energy crisis and rehabilitation of road communications in the region.

Part of the local population in Akhalkalaki is employed at the Russian military base and locals fear that they will face unemployment after the base is pulled out.

A similar protest rally with the same demands was held in Akhalkalaki on March 13 as well. The protesters carried slogans saying: ?Together with Georgia? and ?No to Russian Base Pullout.?

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