REPORTS ON “ARMENIAN” PROTEST ACTION IN TSALKA GEORGIAN REGION FALSE

Georgian parliamentarian Hayk Meltonian representing Tsalka region has denied reports of a Georgian TV company that he had allegedly organized a protest action of Armenians against regional administration head Khvistiani. As specified by Meltonian, A-Info agency reported, firstly, not only Armenians, but Georgians, Azeris and Greeks participated in the action. Secondly, the action was not organized by anyone – it was spontaneous due to a tide of resident discontent with activities of regional authorities. Specifically, within the period of Khvistiani leadership a regional hospital was closed, a maternity hospital will be closed soon, people did not get salary and pension for a long time. Due to the aforementioned report of the Georgian TV channel the Council of Representatives of Armenian Non-Governmental Organizations of Samtskhe-Javakhetia and Kvemo-Kartli Georgian regions has come out with a corresponding statement January 17. The document expressed concern over the artificial stir the Georgian TV company has made over the events in Tsalka. “The statement of the host of the Second State TV Channel of Georgia about “disorders Armenians make in the Georgian land” are of provocative nature and instigate an inter-ethnic conflict. Armenians of Tsalka region are citizens of Georgia with the complete set of rights and they can organize demonstrations to protect their interests,” the statement notes.