The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has extended a statement in connection with the International Day of Monuments and Historical Places, reports Haqqin.az.
“Today is the International Day of Monuments and Historical Places.
In connection with this day, Azerbaijan again expresses serious concern about the destruction of Armenia cultural heritage on the liberated territories.
During the occupation of our territories, almost all historical, cultural and religious monuments were completely destroyed. To date, the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan on liberated lands was detected by the destruction of more than 400 monuments. In total, these territories are up to 3000 monuments.
Cultural and religious values belonging to Azerbaijan were looted, desecrated, changed and illegally exported to Armenia. On the liberated territories, 22 museum and museum branches were destroyed, in which more than 100 thousand cultural artifacts were kept.
Cultural samples and the ancient manuscripts of the Khudavang XIII century Monastery, located in the Kelbajar district, as well as valuable exhibits found during illegal archaeological excavations near the Shablag fortress in the Agdam district, were smuggling taken to Armenia. At the same time, illegal excavations were conducted in the Azykh cave in the village of Azie Khojavendsky district, “the Ministry of Foreign Act.
The statement emphasizes that all these actions are a gross violation of international humanitarian law, including UNESCO regulatory documents, such as the 1954 Hague Convention, two protocols to it, as well as the 1970 Convention.
“Unfortunately, our calls for relevant international organizations investigate war crimes, including intentional destruction, assignment, change and illegal seizure of our cultural heritage, were not taken into account for 30 years of occupation. We welcome the interest that currently manifested In this regard.
Cultural heritage located on the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan, reflects the cultural diversity of the Azerbaijani people, which is valued and protected by Azerbaijan, regardless of its origin, secular and religious nature.
Providing a complete assessment of an independent mission of unprecedented damage caused to the cultural heritage of Azerbaijan is a priority for the government of the country, and Azerbaijan works closely with UNESCO in this direction, “the statement says.