27 May 2019, 11:24
For the first time in 12 years, Georgian citizens visit monastery in disputed "David Gareja" Complex
Residents of Georgia came to the "David Gareja" Monastery Complex to celebrate the Independence Day. For the first time in 12 years, they visited the Chichikheti monastery, where they set up the country's flag and performed the anthem.
The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that the road construction near the monastery had intensified tensions on the Azerbaijani-Georgian border. Activists of the "Strength in Unity" Movement called upon to celebrate the Georgia's Independence Day in the "David Gareja" Complex.
The dispute over one of the most important cultural and religious sights of Georgia continues because of the incomplete border demarcation with Azerbaijan. In February, Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili announced that the issue of a common border section would be resolved before the end of the year. Georgia and Azerbaijan have a chance to resolve the conflict peacefully, analysts believe.
Pilgrims arrived at the Chichikheti monastery that was closed for the last 12 years, located in the territory of the "David Gareja" Complex, the "Rustavi-2" TV Company has reported. David Katsarava, the leader of the "Strength in Unity", has regretted that only few people expressed their intention to come.
In his interview with the ONA Agency, the Georgian Prime Minister, Mamuka Bakhtadze, said that Georgian citizens can no visit the monastery freely.
"This is a very emotional issue ... The two fraternal, friendly countries will find a solution to this issue," he said.
Let us add here that the "Strength in Unity" Movement is also engaged in patrolling villages near the demarcation line with South Ossetia, the independence of which is not recognized by Georgia.
This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 27, 2019 at 02:49 am MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.
Author: Galina Gotua Source: CK correspondent
