Georgian minister: Not pipeline, but ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Georgia link Azerbaijan and Georgia

What are the issues you discussed at the Council of Europe (CE) representatives committee's meeting? What does Georgia expect from the CE regarding the resolution of the Georgian-Ossetian conflict?

We are here with the state strategy "On occupied territories," to familiarize Council of Europe's members with our plans. Moreover, we expressed our willingness to work with the CE.

CE is one of the components in the process of resolving the conflict in Georgia. I believe that we can cooperate very actively in this direction. The main problem in such conflicts [Georgian-Ossetian] the first thing is human rights violations. Therefore, we have started visiting international organizations, which mainly focus on the protection of human rights. We believe that together with other organizations, the CE will not be able to deal with the conflict.

Monitoring and preventing the loss of the occupied territories and remaining as "white spots" are probably specific mechanisms in solving the problem. The international community must know what is happening in these areas; should know the status of refugees and IDPs and should make every effort to bring justice to the people. Also, it should help them return to normal life and their homes.

How successful will be the process of normalization of Ankara-Yerevan diplomatic relations?

We, as neighbors of Azerbaijan, Turkey and Armenia, are interested in peaceful coexistence of these countries. We hope that this process [establishment of diplomatic relations between Turkey and Armenia] will lead to the solution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

Maybe it will take more time than what we would like, because this issue affects different interests, but a constructive dialogue is always better than recrimination.

What can you say about integration of national minorities in Georgia?

We have prepared a national strategy and have translated it into Azerbaijani language, presented it in the regions densely populated with Azerbaijanis and we already have a concrete action plan. And do not forget that not a pipeline, but ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Georgia link Azerbaijan and Georgia.

Do you expect a visit to Georgia in the near future by Council of Europe's official representatives?

A: We talked with CE Secretary General Thorbjoern Jagland, who expressed willingness to visit Georgia in the near future. It is difficult to name the exact date, but he showed an interest. It depends on the CE Secretary General's schedule.

/Trend News/