20:19, 4 September 2007

Azerbaijanis in Georgia to protest against violations of their rights

Today, at 2:00 p.m. in Tbilisi, in the Square of Heroes, activists and leaders of the parties and public associations united into the Movement "Forward, Georgia!" have announced the start of a series of actions against violations of civil rights of the Azerbaijanis living in Georgia, which will end on September 18 with a meeting in the centre of Tbilisi.

In the opinion of the Azerbaijanis who live in Georgia, despite numerous protests of the Union "Georgia - My Homeland," their rights are still breached. The Union has repeatedly addressed Azerbaijani and Georgian officials, however, with no effect.

According to the Union "Georgia - My Homeland," the meeting will be dedicated to protection of the freedom of speech, solution of social and economic problems and proper national policy.

Non-governmental organizations of ethnic Azerbaijanis living in Georgia have earlier reported about their intention to address the Georgian Parliament with a demand to stop the process of closing Azerbaijani schools.