15:35, 6 May 2004

First Meskhetian Turks get refugee status in US

The group of 84 Meskhetian Turks visited Moscow in late April to be interviewed to get refugee status in the United States. Over 5 thousand people have already submitted their applications for participation in the resettlement program carried out by the US Department of State, reported the Novorossiysk City Committee on Human Rights. Only Meskhetian Turks subjected to discrimination on the part of the Krasnodar regional authorities will move.

Upon his return to Krasnodar Region, the leader of Meskhetian Turks Tienshon Svanidze said: "Police accompanied our group, that is why we had no problems of movement on our way and in Moscow. Everybody passed the interview successfully and was granted refugee status. The second group is ready to go to Moscow after May 10."

The first group of Meskhetian Turks who were granted refugee status is expected to be able to leave for the United States in August.

Editors note: See also the article "Head of Krasnodar regional association of Meskhetian Turks 'Vatan': 'We are Russian citizens and want to go nowhere!'".

Source: REGNUM News Agency