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 Six total incidents have burned 19 old-growth trees. Friday night 8 trees were torched along the beautiful main entrance. The EU does not intend to conduct military exercises with Armenia, Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Peter Stano says. Hikmet Hajiyev has said that there is no place for USAID operation in Azerbaijan any longer. A telephone conversation between Putin and Pashinyan before the CSTO summit is not planned, Peskov says. Partner news | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |