MFA: Azerbaijan concerned about destruction of its cultural heritage by Armenia

Today is celebrated as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, Report informs.

On this occasion, Azerbaijan repeats its grave concern regarding the destruction of its cultural heritage by Armenia in liberated Azerbaijani territories, reads the statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

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. Twenty-two museums and museum branches with over 100,000 artifacts in the liberated territories have been destroyed.

Artifacts and ancient manuscripts of the 13th-century Khudavang monastery situated in Kalbajar district, as well as precious artifacts 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 of Khojavend district.

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, Azerbaijan’s appeals to the relevant international organizations to investigate war crimes including the deliberate destruction, misappropriation, alteration of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, as well as illicit removal of Azerbaijani cultural properties by Armenia have been ignored throughout the 30-year occupation. Azerbaijan welcomes 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.