Turkish police shell, plunder Armenian church of DiyarbakirSeptember 18, 2015 - 16:01 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - During Turkey’s recent clashes with PKK, Armenian cultural heritage sites were also targeted by local law enforcers. After Turkish authorities declared martial law, Armenian Catholic church was damaged in Diyarbakir’s Sur district. Having opened fire on the church walls, the Turkish police officers stole some objects of historical and cultural value. According to preliminary estimates, the damage amounts to about $100.000. Head of the Union of Armenians of Mesopotamia, Arat Karagyozian said Armenians intend to file an appeal to judicial bodies. “The police entered the church, breaking down the old door. They stole six paintings of historical value and rocks with ancient carvings from the warehouse," Karagyozian said. Saint Giragos historic Armenian church was also damaged: the building’s glasses were broken and bullet marks were found on the church signboard. PKK has been launching attacks with rocket-propelled grenades and rifles in the Silvan district of Diyarbakir province, killing and wounding a number of people. Hundreds of militants and more than 100 police and soldiers have died since a ceasefire collapsed in July, shattering a peace process launched in 2012. It is the worst violence Turkey has seen in two decades. President Tayyip Erdogan has promised the fight will go on until "not one terrorist is left". The conflict has flared up as Turkey prepares for a snap parliamentary election on Nov. 1 after a June vote was inconclusive. Top stories The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. London’s Armenian community has been left feeling “under attack” after the city’s Genocide monument was vandalised. The United States believes there should be an international mission to provide transparency. Partner news | Turkey extends military presence in Azerbaijan The Turkish parliament has adopted a bill submitted by Recep Tayyip Erdogan to extend the mandate of Turkish troops. Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills Armenian, Saudi Foreign Minister meet in Riyadh The two commended the positive dynamics of the development of political dialogue between Armenia and Saudi Arabia Pashinyan: Azerbaijan’s proximity shouldn’t worry border residents At the same time, he said that he “does not guarantee [the security of villagers] one hundred percent”. |