Armenians of Georgia urge to stop barbarous destruction of Armenian cultural heritageNovember 28, 2008 - 14:12 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian community of Georgia issued an open letter over destruction of Norashen Armenian church.The letter says in part, "The Armenian community of Georgia urges to stop barbarous destruction of Armenian cultural heritage by the Georgian clergy. The regular attempt to seize Norashen is outraging. The altar and unique frescos are eliminated; grave are desecrated. In May 2008, father Tariel Sikinchelashvili's ordered to isolate Norashen with a fence with symbols of the Georgian Orthodox Church. The attempts to "georgify" Norashen started in 1989. The altar, whose form is peculiar to the Armenian Apostolic Church was demolished, wall paintings erased. Presently, the status of Surb Norashen, Surb Nshan, Shamhoretsor Surb Astvatsatsin (Karmir Avetaran), Yerevanots Surb Minas and Mugni Surb Gevorg in Tbilisi and Surb Nshan in Akhaltsikh, confiscated during the soviet period, is still unknown. Owing to the absence of law on religion, Georgian clergy occupy the Armenian churches. The Armenian community of Georgia urges to stop barbarous destruction of Armenian cultural heritage." Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Armenia: Defense Ministry warns against involving army in political processes The Ministry’s statement came after a video surfaced online, showing soldiers joining the protests in Tavush. Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. |