Armenian PM says Azerbaijan uses UNESCO for propaganda

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan met with Permanent Delegate of Hungary to UNESCO Katalin Bogyay and UNESCO Deputy Director-General Getachew Engida.

“We attach great importance to cooperation with UNESCO. Armenian nation highly assesses any culture-related issue. During the Armenian Genocide, our forefathers tried to rescue Armenian printed heritage as they were sure it would ensure existence of our nation,” government’s press service quoted the Prime Minster as saying.

He further voiced gratitude to UNESCO representatives for implementation of joint programs with Armenia.

Dwelling on Azerbaijan’s position in UNESCO, Prime Minster Sargsyan noted agitation as the true reason behind Azeri activity in the organization.

“UNESCO must serve as a dialogue platform. Such propaganda by Azerbaijan must be halted,” he said, citing violent demolition of Armenian khachkars in Nakhijevan by Azerbaijan as a crime against the civilized world.

In this context, UNESCO representatives underscored the importance of approval of a dialogue, noting that cultural heritage maintenance will be in focus of the organization.

Engida, in turn, thanked the Armenian leaders for commitment to maintenance of cultural heritage and close cooperation. The parties further discussed joint events and programs in the framework of Yerevan World Book Capital 2012.