David Rstakian, head of the unregistered political party Virk that represents the interests of the predominantly Armenian population of Georgia\'s southern region of Djavakheti, wants talks with the new Georgian leadership on granting the region formal status, whether autonomy or as part of a federation or confederation. Rstakian said that while autonomy \"is the way to preserve everything that helps us feel Armenian: our language, culture, and traditions,\" autonomy \"may not be enough\" to satisfy the local Armenian population. Rstakian also said the Russian military base in Akhalkalaki, the swift closure of which the new Georgian leadership is demanding, serves \"as the guarantor of the physical security\" of Djavakheti\'s Armenian population. The base also employs some 2,000 local Armenians. (Caucasus Press)