The Armenian-Turkish rapprochement should be discussed as a regional process, as it may create problems in Javakhk (Georgian region densely populated by Armenians), said Professor Vladimir Papava, expert at the Georgian Center for Strategic and International Studies. “I do not think that this rapprochement meets the region’s interests. After this process Georgia will not have any arguments to present that the return of Meskheti Turks will create a new ethnic problem in the region. However, the Armenians residing in this territory do not want, and are afraid of, their return,” he said.

This January, the Law on return of forcibly displaced persons took effect in Georgia. Specifically, the law provides for the return of Meskheti Turks to Georgia. The law was adopted by pressure of the Council of Europe.

Professor Papava believes that certain forces may provoke confrontation in Javakhk if Armenia feels the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be settled not in its favor.

According to him, Georgia is in a grave situation now, as the Javakhk Armenians are the strongest opponents of the Meskheti Turks’ return to the country. If, however, “full-scale” Armenian-Turkish rapprochement takes place, the Javakhk Armenians will not oppose Meskheti Turks’ return. Professor Papava pointed out the possibility of a new ethnic problem in the region.