There are no victims among Georgian Azerbaijanis

- Marneuli is among Georgian cities, subjected to mass bombing by Russian aviation. Are there victims among Georgian Azerbaijanis?

- By different versions, there are several wounded. But their number is unknown. There is no exact data and no one can provide it so far. There is much unchecked information. It will be possible to define the figures more precisely after withdrawal of Russian troops and restoration of stability in the country.

- Yet, according to the announcement, released by the Congress of World Azerbaijanis, there are several Azerbaijanis among the killed. Is this information true?

- We have no information about the death tolls among Azerbaijani population. As is known, there is a military aerodrome surrounded with Azerbaijani and Georgian villages. The city was subjected to bombing on the first day. For men died, there were injured but there were no victims among Azerbaijanis.

- Perhaps, most refugees from Marneuli and other Georgian settlement with majority of Azerbaijani population found refuge in neighbor Azerbaijan...

- Yes, that is true. You know, panic is a terrible thing. As is known, the objects of strategic concern, places of military technique dislocation were subjected to bombing. Various cities, Poti terminal, Georgian settlements near the Turkish border were subjected to bombing. All these events, which occurred within almost a day and the atmosphere of war caused a stir among people. I imply the whole population of Georgia, including Azerbaijanis. Tensions were escalated by the absence of information about the developments. Therefore, there was a great panic among people. They tried to run away from war. Marneuli residents escaped to surrounding villages or neighbor Azerbaijan.  

But the situation has started to stabilize in the last two days. The first humanitarian aid was received from Turkey and other countries?

- Is the number of Georgian Azerbaijanis, who found refuge in Azerbaijan, known?

- It is now impossible to answer this question.

As far as we know, the number of Georgian citizens, who escaped from bombs to Azerbaijan, was even higher than the number of Azerbaijanis. But it is natural as people in panic, try to find refuge in the nearest safe place.

- Will they return to Georgia after the situation betters?

- Undoubtedly, they have left not forever. These people will return to their homes after the situation in the country improves.

We are speaking of people, who escaped from war and this is natural that there were many gossips among the received information. Concerns were expanded by the spread information about attacks on Marneuli by Russian aviation from the military base in Armenian Gumri. As is known, the nearest Russian base is in Armenia and people did not expect airplanes from any other direction.

I have been in Gori two years ago. I have witnessed the bombing of the city by Russians. Two journalists and a doctor died. And there are numerous cases of the kind.

- What about the current situation in Marneuli?

- The situation in the city is calm and stable. Tensions have dropped following the announcements of the Russian military command on the replacement of Russian servicemen in Gori with Georgian policemen.

Yet, it is still early to speak of general stability. As you know, the governments of large states have been involved into the case. Georgia was visited by the presidents of five Eastern European states, Prime Minister of Turkey and the US Secretary of States. The support of independence and territorial integrity of Georgia, voiced by the leaders of world states and international organizations created confidence among people. With the receipt of humanitarian aid, the restoration of people's welfare and their trust will grow. But, as I have already said, it is early to speak of complete stabilization of the situation.  Damage fixing will take time.

/Day.Az/