Political commentator Meruzhan Ter-Goulanyan, who hails from the Goman village in Javakhk, praised the Georgian authorities for paying attention to the cultural needs of Armenians in the district. He said that a lot of criticism in the Armenian press directed towards the authorities in Tbilisi was unfounded. "Things have started to change for the better. There is construction everywhere. Schools, churches and other cultural institutions are being renovated and life is being renewed," Ter-Goulanyan stated. Addressing the issue of Armenian language instruction hours being cut in Javakhk, Ter-Goulanyan stated that it would be great if Armenian children were taught Georgian every day but not at the expense of Armenians. He made his comments at a cultural ceremony in Akhalkalak.