Armenian Leader on Need of ‘Regional Language’ in Javakheti

Giving to the Armenian language a status of “regional language” in pre-dominantly ethnic Armenian-populated region of Javakheti, along with some other steps, will help “to strengthen friendship” between the two countries, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan said.

In a speech, transcript of which is posted on the Armenian President’s website, at a meeting with Armenian diplomats on September 1, Sargsyan outlined his country’s foreign policy priorities and said that Yerevan would continue “mutually beneficial” relations with two of its immediate neighbors – Georgia and Iran.

“We should take serious efforts to provide assistance to the Armenian community of Georgia,” he said while speaking about relations with Georgia.

“Logic of our policy toward Javakhk [Javakheti] should rest on the principle of ‘integration without assimilation’. In this case, integration should presume strengthening of the Armenians in Georgia as dignified and respected citizens of that country. I believe that recognition of the Armenian as a regional language [in Javakheti], registration of the Armenian Apostolic Church, steps to protect Armenian monuments in Georgia will only strengthen Armenian-Georgian friendship and enhance the atmosphere of mutual trust,” Sargsyan said.

“We should take a delicate approach to all of these issues, but [should] also be persistent and principled,” he added.

The Armenian President also said that Yerevan continued “political dialogue” with Georgian on "the highest level". He praised “intensive works” on building of Gyumri-Akhaltsikhe-Batumi road, which he said, would ease Armenia’s access to the Black Sea.

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