Doc. 9164
4 July 2001

Situation of people deported from Georgia in 1944 (Meskhetians) and currently residing in Stavropol Krai (Russian Federation)

Motion for a resolution

presented by Mr Adamia and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

      In 1944, the Stalin regime deported a substantial number of local inhabitants from the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Georgia, then part of the Soviet Union. Since then they have lived in central Asian republics, mainly in Uzbekistan, Fergana Valley, from where they have been forcefully expelled. Currently, they reside mainly in the Russian Federation.

      Lately there has been an increase in alarming information from Stavropol Krai concerning “pogroms” of families of deported Meskhetians. Extremist groups of Cossacks are forcing these people to abandon places where they currently have relatively settled lives. Ethnic intolerance and tension is increasing in the region. There is a clear possibility that these people will be forcefully displaced for the third time.

      It is noted that the Russian authorities do not take any steps to address the issue. Instead, they pressurise the Georgian Government in various ways to foster the repatriation process in a way that is in danger of causing yet another conflict situation for this country, thereby destabilising the entire south Caucasus region.

      Taking into consideration the above-mentioned circumstances and the Council of Europe’s wish to facilitate a fair and comprehensive repatriation process, maintaining peace and stability in the region, coupled with the lack of sufficient international attention to the situation, the Assembly resolves to study the matter and asks its Political Affairs Committee to present a report as soon as possible.

Signed : ¹

Adamia, Georgia, SOC

Atkinson, United Kingdom, EDG

Bársony, Hungary, SOC

Cubreacov, Moldova, EPP/CD

Landsbergis, Lithuania, EDG

Ojuland, Estonia, LDR

Patereu, Moldova, EPP/CD

Položhani, “the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia”, EDG

Tevdoradze, Georgia, EDG

Zarubinsky, Ukraine, EDG

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group