Akhaltsikhe migrants seeking Turkish citizenship
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Date: Thu, 4 Feb 1999 21:15:13 +0200 (EET)
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Subject: Akhaltsikhe migrants seeking Turkish citizenship
From: MINELRES moderator <[email protected]>
Original sender: Felix Corley <[email protected]>
Akhaltsikhe migrants seeking Turkish citizenship
Akhaltsikhe migrants seeking Turkish citizenship
Ankara - Turkish Daily News 01/29/1999
President Suleyman Demirel on Thursday received a delegation from the
Akhaltsikhe Turks Culture and Cooperation Association, led by Chairman
Veysel Kilic, reported the Anatolia news agency. Akhaltsikhe is a
Turkish tribe from Caucasus, predominantly settled in Georgia.
Kilic stated that Akhaltsikhes who migrated into Turkey endure many
difficulties primarily due to not being able to secure Turkish
nationality, and consequently even those who are proficient in many
trades are unable to obtain employment other than working as laborers
or watchmen at farms or markets.
President Demirel stated that these problems are experienced as a
result of the inhuman and unfair treatment Turks received in Russia by
the communist regime. "Akhaltsikhes have lived in harmony around
various parts of Central Asia for many years and were able to maintain
their identity throughout history. Despite oppression, Akhaltsikhes
resisted assimilation for many years. Turkey is open for any anybody
that says "Turkey is my country and this flag is mine. Please be a
little patient. There is love and affection towards you in this
country. You are never considered a burden," Demirel said.
Demirel went on to say that Turkey is a big country, both as a nation
and the land it encompasses, and receives migration from many
neighboring countries. Immigrating into a new country is a very
difficult task and always presents unique problems. Akhaltsikhe Turks
have always been given priority in the migration process. Demirel
explained: "You have a special place in our heart. You are the honest
and hard working members of this society who aim to maintain harmony
and stability. Please be patient and do not get discouraged. I will
place emphasis on solving your problems. The most significant problem
is encountered during nationalization procedures. If you were Turkish
nationals, you will have defeated all of your problems. Lets tackle
this problem first. Turkey has laws but the predicament the
Akhaltsikhes are in is apparent. They are our brothers and sisters
that were oppressed."
He went on to say that he has personally discussed the problems with
the presidents of the countries where Akhaltsikhes live. Demirel
asserted: "Those countries have some administrative problems. They
suffer political and financial instability. The mentality of the
previous regime has not yet been completely eradicated. The president
of Georgia, Eduard Shevardnadze, is scheduled to visit Turkey on Feb.
28. I will again discuss with him the situation pertaining to those
that wish to return to Georgia who were exiled from that country.
During our previous conversation, Shevardnadze promised that he would
be looking into the issue."
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