to their homes in Georgia”
“30,000-40,000 Ahiska Turks intend to return to their homes in Georgia,” head of Azerbaijani representation of “Motherland” Society of Ahiska Turks Ibrahim Burhanov told APA. He said that the Ahiska Turks that settled in 214 villages of Azerbaijan were filling in relevant blanks to submit to Georgian embassy. The documents confirmed by notary are sent to Georgia’s State Committee for Refugees. This committee gives the status of repatriates to Ahiska Turks. Ibrahim Burhanov said 10,000 Ahiska Turks had filled in the relevant blanks, the figure would reach 12,500 by January 1.
“Filling in 10,000 blanks means return of 30,000-40,000 people to their motherland, because only heads of families fill in the blanks,” he said.
Ibrahim Burhanov said 51 families had already returned to Georgia and faced no problem in connection with settlement.
“It may take our compatriots much time to return to their places. It is our duty to accelerate this process. In order to accelerate this process Turkey and various international organizations should be involved in it. UN High Commissioner for Refugees, OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities have been involved in this process. Head of Council of Europe Subcommittee on Rights of Minorities is also cooperating with us. They hold trainings and help fill in blanks,” he said.
