Georgia, Tbilisi / Тrend corr N. Kirtskhalia / Georgian Government did not take a decision to shut down schools of national minorities, including Azerbaijani ones, in the country. "We did not make any decision regarding shutting down national schools and I am surprised to observe Azerbaijanis' indignation caused by these gossips," Georgian Education & Science Minister, Alexander Lomaya, stated on 30 August.
Reports on the possible shut down of Georgia's schools where education is in the Azerbaijani language have recently been spread in media. The reports caused anxiety amongst the population in the Kvemo Kartli region where up to 500,000 Azerbaijanis reside. A delegation of Azerbaijanis residing in Georgia visited Baku several days ago. This problem was discussed during the visit. An appeal was made to the Georgian Parliament demanding the cancellation of the decision to shut down Georgia's Azerbaijani schools.
According to the Minister, Georgian Government observes and protects its Constitution and legislation and tries to help the citizens to receive education in their native language, and simultaneously to study the official language. The task of the Georgian Government is to enable national minorities, including Azerbaijanis, to study their official language," he said.
According to Lomaya, the Tavtavi program is being implemented for this purpose. "Programs are being developed not only for schools, which will enable all those interested to study the Georgian language," the Minister said.