Georgian Deputy FM Alexander Nalbandov’s statements on Armenian churches are the result of Georgia’s being nervous of national minorities, Director o the Institute of Caucasus Alexander Iskandaryan told reporters on August 3.

“His statements have nothing in common with knowledge of history. They are of more political nature,” Iskandaryan said. Such statements are regular and may sound strange. However, they are the result of nervous attitude toward national minorities, particularly Armenians, the expert said.

“National minorities have always played a key role in building up Georgian statehood, which caused Georgia to develop certain complexes,” the expert said.

Two substantial national minorities are currently residing in Georgia: Armenians and Azerbaijanis. The latter are scattered about the country, whereas the former have a well organized structure, political representation, clearly formulated interests. All this puts the Georgian authorities and public on their guard, the expert said.

“The Georgian society views Armenians as a threat,” Iskandaryan concluded.