17:15, 22 June 2004

First group of Meskhetian Turks to depart for US

The first 13 Meskhetian Turks living in Krasnodar Territory and taking part in the resettlement program have been granted refugee status and will depart for the United States for permanent residence on July 21, 2004. 84 people were granted refugee status in April 2004, they will also leave Russia on July 23 and 26, informed Tienshon Svanidze, the leader of the Turkish community in Krasnodar Territory.

The question of selling the goers' property has not been solved so far, reported the Novorossiysk City Committee on Human Rights. The regional authorities promise to assist only with the registration of the title to private houses since Meskhetian Turks were denied this registration before. But it is still unknown whether the people will be able to sell their real estate.

Editors note: See also the article "First Meskhetian Turks get refugee status in US".

Source: REGNUM News Agency