Possibility of free economic zone in Samtskhe-Javakheti

A document has been circulating thoughout the Georgian media recently concerning the issue that people living in Javakheti are ready to host a free economic zone in the region. The document was prepared and initiated by the Armenian Diaspora in Russia. The document mentions that there are various conditions in favor of such an initiative: cheep man power, the possibility of being connected with the Black Sea with the road under construction connecting the region with Batumi and so on. The document says that such a fact will definitely contribute to the welfare of the entire Georgia. Liberal UNM leader Mikheil Saakashvili responded to this initiative stating that it came not from Georgia or Armenians but Armenians residing in Russia; and this is a serious threat to Georgian statehood and this issue should be very carefully evaluated before implementation.