The
Deputy Foreign Minister of Georgia, Nino Kalandadze made an explanation
regarding the David Gareji Monastery complex.
The
mentioned comment was spread on the official “Facebook” page of the Deputy
Minister.
According
to the comment of Kalandadze, state border delimitation process is still
underway between Georgia and
Azerbaijan.
The states’ delimitation commissions are agreed upon 66% of the state border so
far.
“Internet,ge”
offers you the comment invariably:
“Unfortunately,
in the last few days, deliberate or unintentional, my comment regarding David
Gareji Monastery complex was quoted wrongly not once. There were also political
speculations. But the facts are the following:
The
process of state border delimitation is still underway between Georgia and Azerbaijan. The states’ delimitation
commissions are agreed upon 66% of the state border so far. Among those parts, which
yet need to be agreed, is 2% of David Gareji Monastery complex, including
desert monastery cells and the access paths, with a simple reason that, since
the Soviet Union times, according to the administrative division, the above
mentioned 2% of the monastery, was given under the control of Azerbaijan Republic.
Accordingly, the rest part of the David Gareji Monastery complex is on the
Georgian territory.
Taking
into account the fact that the clergy is serving in the desert monastery, which
is included in the David Gareji Monastery complex, and that pilgrims, tourists
and others visit the complex constantly, with the Georgian side’s efforts, Azerbaijan side
did not limit free movement in this area. Approximately 10 days ago,
Azerbaijani border guards said to the Georgian side, that only clergy and the
border guard will be able to enter the desert monastery territory. Currently,
our effort is directed to ensure free movement on the monastery territory for
anyone interested. It is clear, that Georgian side conducts negotiations in
accordance with the Georgian
State interest.
In
Georgian-Azerbaijan relations, it has never been called into question that
David Gareji Monastery complex is entirely Georgian cultural heritage and it
will never be. It is definitely Georgian cultural monument.
As for
the free movement for all people on the above-mentioned section of the
monastery complex, we are sure, that this issue will be solved before
completion of the border delimitation process, based on the traditional
good-neighborly and friendly spirit between the two countries”, - is said in
the statement.
internet.ge