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