World Congress of Georgian peoples opens in Saint-Petersburg

The World Congress of Georgian people opens today, 23rd April, in Saint-Petersburg. The congress was organized by businessman Alexander Yebralidze, "GHN" reports.

Part of the Georgian delegation participating in the congress set off for Russia earlier.

The congress will involve the participation of spokesmen for Georgian diasporas – Georgian politologist Ramaz Klimiashvili, well-known opposition figures Koba Davitashvili and Kakha Kukava and leader of “Neutral Georgia” Valeriy Kvaratskheliya.

According to Ramaz Klimiashvili, the organizer of the congress has not invited a single Georgian politician to the congress. Only spokesmen for Georgian diasporas have been invited, as well as experts as special guests.

“No one invited the politicians, it was their own decision to come to Russia and have a look at the situation. They were not invited to participate in the congress, we do not even know whether they will be allowed into the hall. If I get dissatisfied I will leave to take a walk in one of my favorite cities - Saint-Petersburg - which I haven’t visited for a long time”, - Klimiashvili said.

At the same time the Deputy Minister for Diaspora Issues, Irakliy Nadiradze, reported that spokesmen for Georgian diasporas have protested against the World Congress of Georgian peoples.