February 7, 2006 - 17:47 AMT
Armenian Speaker Urges to End Destruction of Armenian Khachkars
Armenian NA Speaker A. Baghdassaryan has sent a letter to the PACE President Rene van der Linden and CE Sec. Gen. Terry Davis, in which he expressed concern over barbaric destruction of ancient Armenian cemetery in Old Julfa. According to the NA Press Service, the letter specifically says, «The intolerable actions in Old Julfa in 2002 and 2005 infringe upon human dignity and run counter to one of the CE major goals: preservation of cultural legacy of CE member states.» Mr. Baghdassaryan reminds that Armenian khachkars of Julfa dating back to the 7th century make not only Armenian, but also European cultural legacy.

«However, in spite of anything, the demolition of ancient Armenia's monuments continues, while international organizations do not take any actions. I urge the CE to reaffirm its stand and to urge the Azeri authorities to end barbaric actions, as well as take steps to correct the situation,» Armenian Speaker's message says.