January 26 in Strasbourg member of the Armenian delegation to PACE, National Unity faction leader Artashes Geghamian raised the issue of the destruction of the Armenian monuments in Nakhichevan. In his speech Artashes Geghamian stressed that the elimination of the Armenian cemetery in Old Juga by Azeri soldiers incited by the authorities is nothing but barbarism. Thus, in his words, European principle are being infringed since Azerbaijan fails to honor the commitments undertaken 5 years ago at the entry to the Council of Europe. Besides, he noted, if Turkey wishes to join the European Union it should demonstrate will and condemn the barbarian deeds, since on March 16, 1921 Turkey and Russia obliged to guarantee the maintenance of historical and cultural monuments in Nakhichevan, reported RFE/RL.