UP

FM issues statement on International Day for Monuments and Sites

Home page Politics
12 Punto 14 Punto 16 Punto 18 Punto

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan issued a statement on 18 April - International Day for Monuments and Sites.

Axar.az presents the statement:

"April 18 is celebrated as the International Day for Monuments and Sites.

On this occasion, Azerbaijan repeats its grave concern regarding the destruction of its cultural heritage in the liberated territories by Armenia.

Almost all historical, cultural and religious monuments were completely destroyed during the period of occupation. As of today, the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan has identified more than 400 monuments that have been destroyed in the liberated territories. The total number of monuments in these territories is up to 3000. Cultural and religious property belonging to Azerbaijan has been looted, desecrated, altered and illegally exported to Armenia. 22 museums and museum branches with over 100,000 artefacts in the liberated territories have been destroyed.

Artefacts and ancient manuscripts of the 13th-century Khudavang monastery situated in Kalbajar district, as well as precious artefacts found during illegal archaeological excavations near Shahbulag fortress of Aghdam district, were illegally transported to Armenia. Besides that, illegal excavations have been conducted in the Azikh cave in the Azikh village of the Khojavend region.

All of these actions constitute a gross violation of international humanitarian law, including the UNESCO standard-setting instruments, such as the 1954 Hague Convention and its two protocols, as well as the 1970 Convention.

Regretfully, our appeals to the relevant international organizations to investigate war crimes including the deliberate destruction, misappropriation, alteration of our cultural heritage, as well as illicit removal of our cultural properties by Armenia have been ignored throughout the 30-year occupation. We welcome the interest now being shown in this respect.

The cultural heritage situated in the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, regardless of its origin, whether secular or religious, reflects the cultural diversity of the people of Azerbaijan, which Azerbaijan values and protects.

Ensuring that the unprecedented damage inflicted on Azerbaijani cultural heritage is fully assessed by an independent technical mission stands as a priority for the Government of Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan is closely cooperating with UNESCO in this regard".

Date
2021.04.18 / 11:34
Author
Axar.az
See also

Azerbaijan ready to assist Syria with natural gas supply

Erdogan comments on tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan

Erdogan: Peace deal will change atmosphere in region

Azerbaijan and Pakistan signed MoU

Aliyev sends congratulatory letter to Maduro

Iran: Visit heralds new era in Azerbaijan-Iran relations

Aliyev met with Pezeshkian in Khankendi - Photo

Erdogan and Aliyev meet in Khankendi

Iran, and Tajik presidents meet in Khankendi

Turkish President Erdogan criticized Israel

Latest
Xocalı soyqırımı — 1992-ci il Bağla
Bize yazin Bağla
ArxivBağla