TBILISI/BAKU - Georgian Minister of State Security Valeri Khaburdzania said on Friday that process of return of Meskhetian Turks was delayed due to economic problems.
Khaburdzania told A.A correspondent that a political decision had been taken for return of Meskhetian Turks to their homeland however, this return was delayed due to economic problems of the country.
National autonomy could be given after return of Meskhetian Turks, Khaburdzania said.
Khaburdzania noted that schools which gave education in their own mother tongue could be opened and those people could continue to perform their religion.
Stating that the return process could start as of 2004-2005, Khaburdzania expressed belief that they would succeed in the process.
Khaburdzania said that Meskhetian Turks could face problems after they returned to their homeland, adding that they feared that some provocations could occur in that case.
Turkey and Georgia were in active cooperation in fight against drug trafficking and terrorism, Khaburdzania noted.
Khaburdzania pointed out that two countries should cooperate in fight against economic crimes and organized crime.
When he was recalled about news in Georgian press about activities of the terrorist organization PKK/KADEK in Georgia, Khaburdnazia said that they would never permit activities of any organization against Turkey in their country.
Khaburdzania added that he wished improvement of bilateral relations for the benefit of both Turkish and Georgian people.
(BRC-AÖ) 03.10.2003