Javakheti Armenians have problems on Armenian-Georgian border (video)
Javakheti Armenians, who have Armenian citizenship, have problems passing Armenian-Georgian border. After signing Association treaty with the EU there is a new law in Georgia that foreign citizens can stay in Georgia during 180 days- 90 days, instead of former 390 days. “The problem is that if they want to stay more than 90 days in Georgia, they must solve the issue of residence, for which, according to the law, money and documents are needed.” The new conditions are especially inconvenient for those Javakheti Armenians, who visit Armenia on business. Georgian citizen, one of the drivers of Yerevan- Javakheti minibus, who doesn’t want to mention his name, presented the problems of his partners in the conversation with us. “For example my friend who has driven on this route for 12 years, he has Georgian car but Armenian passport, now he isn’t able to come, he must stay 90 days in Yerevan and then come to Georgia.” If the problem isn’t solved, Javakheti Armenians must get long-term visa, which is also problem for them. “It will be right to give visa after those 90 days, but it isn’t done, may be intentionally, I don’t know.” The problem won’t remain unsolved, makes sure specialist on Georgian studies. Our neighbors will be interested to adapt the law to the specialties of the country. Hovik Abrahamyan, who was on official visit in Georgia, raised this issue, and Prime Minister of Georgia answered that until the end of first quarter of 2015 the problem would be solved for foreign citizens including the RA citizens. And if the problem isn’t solved the RA citizens will continue paying 180 GEL fine at border checkpoint after term expiration.
