Parliament of Georgia welcomes resolution on Circassian Genocide with standing applause

Today, at its plenary session, the Georgian Parliament has unanimously adopted the resolution "On Recognition of Circassian Genocide Committed by Russian Empire". Ninety-five MPs have supported the resolution, as the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent reports from the Parliament's session hall.

The resolution of the Georgian Parliament consists of the preamble and two points. The document notes that the Russian Empire pursued colonial policy against Circassians and conducted ethnic cleansings during the Russian-Caucasian wars in 1763-1864. During that period, as a result of repeated military expeditions, over 90 percent of the Circassian population were liquidated or starved to death.

"The Parliament of Georgia rules: According to the 4th Hague Convention of 1907 'On the Laws and Customs of War on Land', and the UN Convention of 1948 'On the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Recognized as Genocide', we hereby recognize as genocide the mass assassination of Circassians (Adygs) and their forced resettlement away from their historical homeland during the Russian-Caucasian War. According to the UN Convention of 1951 'On the Status of Refugees', we hereby recognize the forcibly deported Circassians as refugees during the Russian-Caucasian War," says the resolution.

The deputies of the supreme legislative body of the country stood up and welcomed the resolution with applause.