by Thanos Thanopoulos
A statement on the recent issues of the David Gareja monastery complex was issued by Patriarch Ilias II of Georgia, calling for more sensitivity and accountability.
“As negotiations are being held between Georgia and Azerbaijan, and when the Church has not yet been involved in the talks, when there are many ways of interacting with Azerbaijan, when it is possible to solve the problem with the help of international organizations, by ignoring this help and by making rigorous statements we are going against our national interests.”
The Primate of the Church of Georgia pointed out that from the analysis of recent developments comes the impression that “some forces” tried to rise tensions between Georgia and Azerbaijan, adding that this is unacceptable.
“We call on the Georgian and Azerbaijani authorities to engage in intensive negotiations in order to maintain and deepen the friendship between our peoples and our countries. On the other hand, the Church of Georgia expresses its readiness to participate actively in this process,” Patriarch Ilia added.
In a statement, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia stresses that “both sides have agreed to examine the non-agreed sections of the state border at expert level. Experts will study and evaluate relevant regulatory and legal documents and cartographic materials related to state borders.”
