Oskanian: We Hope for UNESCO Response to Destruction of Armenian Monuments in Nakhichevan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan were of limited nature in 2005 and basically related to settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, Armenian FM Vartan Oskanian stated at today's news conference on the results of the MFA activities in 2005. In his words, contacts took place within international structures and at the level of non-governmental organizations. "Destruction of the Armenian cemetery in Nakhichevan gave cause to address the UNESCO Director General," the Minister remarked. The matter was discussed by the US Congress, British House of Lords, which urged Azerbaijan to stop destruction of the Armenian monuments. "We hope the UNESCO will respond Armenia's statement and will send a mission to Nakhichevan," he stated.



It should be noted that earlier the Armenian Embassy in Iran received reports from the Atrpatakan Armenian Diocese that some 100 Azeri soldiers were demolishing Armenian Khachkars (headstones) at Old Julfa cemetery on the bank of the river Araks. The incident is another step of the Azeri state to distort the history by wipe out Armenian trace. Leaders of three Armenian Dioceses of Iran expressed their indignation on behalf of Armenians. They addressed the international community, international organizations, specifically the UNESCO, asking to take steps within its mandate and regulations to prevent another cultural genocide by Azerbaijan. Besides, the Armenian Embassy in Iran informed the Armenian MFA and keeps following the developments.