Azerbaijan, Baku, March 7 / Trend , K.Zarbaliyeva/
Georgian Azerbaijanis must learn Georgian to integrate into society, Azerbaijani Education Minister Misir Mardanov said on March 7.
Recently Georgian Diaspora Minister Yulon Gogashidze discussed the issue in Baku.
"They should learn Georgian to live in the country and hold high-ranking positions in society. This can be achieved step by step. We must create conditions for them to learn the language," Mardanov said.
There are 228 Azerbaijani schools in Georgia. According to unofficial estimates by Azerbaijani NGOs, around 500,000 Azerbaijanis live in Georgia - mainly in Borchali.
Azerbaijanis in Georgia complain about problems learning the state language, receiving an education in their mother tongue, buying property and being appointed to high-ranking positions in state agencies.
However, many Azerbaijanis know the state language well, but have difficulty achieving public office.
"I'm concerned when Georgians are appointed as directors of schools where the curriculum is taught in Azerbaijani. The Georgian minister and his delegation agree," Mardanov said.
Mardanov hopes the discussions will yield positive results.
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