News - Armenia official: We support UNESCO mission deployment to Karabakh, something that Azerbaijan obstructs

Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Vahe Gevorgyan delivered remarks at the 7th Ministerial meeting of the Ancient Civilizations Forum in Iran, informed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia. He noted as follows, in particular: "Preservation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage of humankind is key element in promoting effective policies aimed at strengthening peace, sustainable development, social cohesion, tolerance, non-discrimination and human rights. Armed conflicts in different parts of the world have had devastating impacts on cultural and religious monuments. Improving data collection, introduction of reliable monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, fostering partnerships and information sharing, as well as use of digital and satellite technologies and innovative solutions, create a vast toolkit of instruments to help to protect cultural heritage and prevent cultural vandalism. In the Tiwanaku Declaration on 13 July 2018 the members of the Forum deplored the fact that armed conflicts have become a serious threat to the integrity of the world heritage monuments. As stated in the Baghdad Declaration of 4 December, 2022, our nations share deep concerns regarding the destruction, looting and appropriation of cultural property, including religious sites. In this regard, Armenia believes that ACF member states should exert additional efforts to promote cooperation within prominent global organizations, such as the UNESCO. There is an untapped potential in promoting the remarkable cultural heritage of our ancient civilizations, as the shared wealth of all humankind. Armenia stands ready to pursuing joint initiatives together with the members of the Forum within the framework of the UNESCO and other multilateral fora. Mr. Chair, Regrettably, the Armenian cultural heritage has become subject to ongoing destruction, desecration and appropriation in Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijan’s most recent use of force in September 2023, resulting in ethnic cleansing of the entire indigenous population of Nagorno-Karabakh, has further endangered the Armenian cultural heritage. The state-sponsored policy of deliberate destruction and alteration of the identity of cultural heritage sites represents a challenge not just to Armenia but to all of humanity. The gravity of the situation requires urgent efforts by the international community. In this regard, we support deployment of the UNESCO's independent expert mission to Nagorno-Karabakh, a mission that Azerbaijan has thus far obstructed. We hope that through our collective efforts and unwavering dedication to the values of humanity, peace, and the protection of cultural heritage, we will be able to make a meaningful contribution to the protection of the endangered Armenian cultural heritage in and around Nagorno-Karabakh."