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The situation in Armenian-populated Gumburdu village of Georgia’s Javakheti region remains calm following the clashes days ago between the locals and police officers. As Armenian MP Shirak Torosyan told Panorama, the issue is currently settled by the Diocese of Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Holy Church in Georgia.

To remind, the clashes erupted on September 30 when the villagers tried to erect an Armenian cross-stone in the courtyard of the Gumburdu Cathedral   - at the site where they believed their ancestors were buried and which has been undergoing restoration since 2016.

The situation escalated when they met the police resistance with locals throwing rocks at the security forces, who called in reinforcements of special riot units. Several police officers and locals were reportedly injured. 

“According to an initial arrangement the cross-stone was to be erected after the community elections slated for October 21, yet the members of the Armenian community decided to erect the cross-stone ahead of time that ultimately provoked an unrest,” said Torosyan.

Asked whether the Georgian police used excessive force while dispersing the crowd, and whether it was justified to beat people to prevent them from erecting the memorial, Shirak Torosyan responded: “Absolutely not. It [the incident] didn’t come in the interests of both Armenia and Georgia. I think the Georgian authorities displayed tough response since the initial arrangement was broken due to a misunderstanding. Efforts should be made to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.” 

The MP added the Armenians of Javakheti should get along with local authorities and respect the state whey live in.