02 May 2011, 22:50
Repatriation of Meskhetian Turks to Georgia to start in 2012
It is expected that since January 2012, the process of repatriation to Georgia of Meskhetian Turks from various countries of the world will begin.
According to Shamsaddin Sarvarov, one of the leaders of the society "Samshoblo" (Homeland), established in Azerbaijan in the context of the return of Meskhetian Turks to Georgia, the deadline for return of Meskhetians to Georgia, taken by Tbilisi before the Council of Europe, expires this year, however, under the terms of the obligation, the period of repatriation will be extended.
"The special commission continues working on this issue. The next meeting will be held in the coming days. We hope to return to our historical lands over the years," said Sarvarov.
He added that the process of Meskhetian Turks' return to Georgia would be implemented in several stages; and the repatriation process requires raising several issues, including definition of the status of the Meskhetians arriving in Georgia, the "APA" Agency reports.
Meskhetians want to return to Samtskhe-Dzhavakheti, from where, according to their story, they were deported during World War II. Armenians of Dzhavakhk will protest against the return of Meskhetians to Dzhavakhk and "recommend" them the Kvemo Kartli region for permanent residence, where Azerbaijanis make the majority of population, the "PanARMENIAN" reports.
