Unprecedented Voting by Armenia at the UN Followed by Incident Involving Armenians in Akhalkalaki. Who Was This For? - Zhamanak

The newspaper "Zhamanak" reports: Information and footage have spread online regarding a tense incident between the local Armenian population and police in Akhalkalaki. According to reports, the police used disproportionate force against citizens. It is noted that the incident began after the police stopped a motorcyclist, and a passing driver attempted to inquire about what had happened. The police told him to continue on his way, but the driver continued to ask questions about the situation. A quarrel ensued, leading to a clash.

Details surrounding the event are still somewhat vague. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia has not yet provided an official explanation. However, the incident has already caused a stir and appears to be gaining traction in the information space, seemingly working against Armenian-Georgian relations.

This is particularly significant given that Armenia effectively did not vote against the Georgian resolution concerning the return of displaced Georgians regarding Abkhazia and South Ossetia at the UN for the first time. Armenia has traditionally voted against such resolutions. There are two main reasons for this shift: one is undoubtedly Russia, which may be the primary reason.

In this context, it is critical to emphasize the importance of Armenian-Georgian relations, considering their growing geopolitical significance. In this sense, the vote taken by Armenia at the UN on June 4 was not merely a gesture towards Georgia but a significant gesture within the broader context of regional security.

At the same time, Georgia should primarily assess this gesture within the context of its overall security environment. In that environment, Armenia plays a key role and has substantial importance. The Armenian regional factor, including the Armenian population in Javakhk, should not be viewed by Tbilisi as a security risk, but rather as an essential component of safety.

It is crucial to foster an environment of mutual trust, which, however, is evidently not happening. Both Yerevan and Tbilisi may need to deeply explore the reasons behind this. However, it is undeniable that after Armenia’s unprecedented vote, an event is occurring in Akhalkalaki that does not serve the interests or security of either Armenia or Georgia. Is this an attack on Armenia's vote? Where is the blow coming from, or by whose hand or thought?

Details in today’s edition of the newspaper.