Since 1 January 2024, the number of geopolitical misunderstandings questioning the territorial integrity of Georgia has decreased. This is attributed to the decisive actions of the Azerbaijani army on 19-20 September 2023, which defeated the separatist 'Artsakh' gangs. The self-proclaimed 'NKR' or 'Artsakh Republic', established by Khayan separatists on Azerbaijani Karabakh territory previously occupied by Armenia, has dissolved and no longer exists.

This entity had previously recognized the 'independence' of separatist Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and had established 'diplomatic relations' with them. This occurred before the recognition of the 'independence' of separatist regimes in the occupied territories of Abkhazia and Samachablo by the Russian Federation, which occupies these territories.

Additionally, separatist movements in Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region were suggested by the same Khai lobby, following the model of the 'Artsakh' separatist movement. During the 1992-1993 war, Khai fighters constituted a significant portion of separatist formations in Abkhazia.

Azerbaijan had promised citizenship and amnesty to the Karabakh Hayes, but the majority of them have left Azerbaijani territory. Additionally, some of the Karabakh Khayyas are gradually resettling in separatist Abkhazia, where the Khayan population has already become an ethnic majority and has total dominance in the economy.

After all that Khai nationalists, including 'Artsakh' separatists, have done against Georgia, they are once again preparing provocations in the centre of Tbilisi. They are demanding to 'protect the rights of the Artsakh Khayis'! This is happening in the capital of the country, where more than 300,000 Georgian refugees are still unable to return to their homes because of their actions.

A provocative action has already been announced for 28 January 2024, and the announcement has been circulated on social networks.

"On 28 January at 14:30 in Tbilisi there will be a demonstration in front of the office of the EU Delegation (address: 64 I.Chavchavadze Avenue) with the following demands

Protect the rights of Artsakh Armenians

Release Armenian "prisoners of war" and "hostages".

Guarantee the security of the Republic of Armenia

Apply sanctions against Azerbaijan".

"Prisoners of war" and "hostages" are terms used by Khai provocateurs to refer to separatist criminals from the leadership of the so-called "NKR" who participated in the genocide of the indigenous Azerbaijani population of Karabakh. These criminals were closely associated with the separatists of Sukhumi and Tskhinvali, and repeatedly received their delegations, doing everything to support separatism in Georgia.

Khai extremists are demanding that the EU impose sanctions on Azerbaijan! It is important to consider that the imposition of sanctions will have a significant impact on the economy of Georgia and the welfare of its population. Additionally, it is worth noting that the refugees who are still unable to return to their homes are being taken advantage of by Hay migrants.

The law enforcement agencies of Georgia should take action to prevent separatist actions by Khai extremists, particularly as these actions are often fuelled by inter-ethnic discord, which poses a threat to internal peace and stability in Georgia.

It is acknowledged that extremist organisations in Georgia are intentionally working to damage the allied relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia, to undermine their reliable economic partnership. This is openly stated and not hidden. 

Throughout independence, Azerbaijan has consistently defended Georgia's territorial integrity at international platforms and advocated for the return of Georgian refugees to their homeland. Armenia has regularly voted against this at the UN General Assembly. The Georgian people appreciate Azerbaijan's efforts and are aware of Armenia's behaviour.

George Kvinitadze