Грузия
Russian MFA Information and Press Department Commentary Regarding the Problem of the Return of Meskhet Turks to Georgia
Unofficial translation from Russian
Some Russian media have again begun discussing the theme of Meskhet Turks who have temporarily found themselves in Krasnodar Territory and who hope to return to their historical homeland - Georgia - from which they were deported to Central Asia in 1944. Unfortunately, not knowing historical facts often leads to a wrong understanding of the problems in this matter as well.
As is known, upon entry into the Council of Europe Georgia assumed an international legal obligation to admit them to its territory. But Tbilisi is not even trying to show that they there are seriously disposed to tackle this issue. The reminders from the Council of Europe look more like friendly reproaches than efforts to induce Georgia to fulfill its obligations, let alone sanctions provided for in such cases in the CE. Tbilisi has for six years now been engaged in a fruitless talk around the adoption of a framework law on repatriation which would lay down the principles and timeline for the return of Meskhet Turks, but matters remain at a standstill.
Thus, it is Georgia's disregard for its obligations and the rules of international law that turns into unjustified difficulties for the several thousand people justly striving to return to their historical homeland.
March 11, 2005