Armenian Ombudsman Larisa Alaverdyan addressed a letter to UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura in view of the destruction of Khachkars in the Armenian cemetery of Old Julfa in Nakhichevan. The letter says, “First of all, let me express my deep respect for you and your organization. UNESCO activities, directed to protect the cultural heritage of humanity and to develop education and science certainly arise our admiration and respect. That is why I appeal to you anticipating the active and efficient interference of your organization in the acts of vandalism applied to Armenian monuments under the protection of UNESCO on the territory of Azerbaijan. For the last several days the means of Mass Media, social organizations and Armenian officials are alarming about the events happening in Nakhichevan (Azerbaijan). According to reliable sources, about 200 Azeri soldiers, armed with hammers, spades and heavy devices, entered the Armenian cemetery of Old Julfa situated on the bank of Araks river and started to destroy and turn into dust Khachkars (cross-stones), which were rescued from Azeri profanation due to the interference of world community in 2003.
It is necessary to mention that the cases of vandalism in Nakhichevan have permanent nature, and repeat from time to time for the last several years. Moreover, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, in his clumsy attempt to justify the actions of vandals, announced that the access to mentioned areas is strictly restricted and is possible only with the sanction of government structures. This announcement leaves no doubts that in this case too the abovementioned soldiers are acting with the sanction of Azerbaijan Government. The observations made close to the site and pictures taken by photo and TV camera do not leave any doubts that a systematic destruction of Armenian monuments, which are not only a part of invaluable heritage of Armenian nation but also of common humanity, is taking place. The actions of Azeri side, planning to eradicate all signs of Armenian historical presence and heritage on the territory of Nakhichevan and to disfigure the history, challenge the whole civilization and demand adequate steps from the appropriate international structures.
UNESCO is an international organization the authority and influence of which can become an efficient measure to prevent the acts of vandalism applied to cultural monuments. We draw your attention to the necessity to create a special independent committee under the aegis of UNESCO which will consist of representatives from different countries, both regional and European. The circumstances dictate the necessity of immediate departure of the experts committee to examine the situation on site and to present an unbiased picture of the situation to the international community. I could personally promote the work of the committee and to make my possible contribution.
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