12/23/2020 Nagorno-Karabakh (International Christian Concern) – UNESCO has released a statement that they have made proposals to organize a mission into Nagorno-Karabakh (Armenian: Artsakh), something which requires the agreement of both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The purpose of this mission is to create an inventory of significant cultural properties so that they can be protected following the conflict initiated by Azerbaijan into Nagorno-Karabakh. However, UNESCO states that they cannot begin this mission since Azerbaijan has failed to respond to the request.
Nagorno-Karabakh is historically Armenian Christian, and those cultural sites referred to by UNESCO are churches, monasteries, khachkars, and other similar sites of significance to Christianity. Azerbaijan’s invasion into Nagorno-Karabakh was supported by Turkey and included destruction of many of these sites. It is vital that a full documentation of their status is performed so that they can be preserved, and that those who destroyed any sites are held accountable.
It is also noteworthy that the invasion by Azerbaijan and Turkey into Nagorno-Karabakh included this kind of destruction. It gives further evidence of the religious elements which motivate pan-Islamic Turkism against the local Armenian Christian community.
For interviews, please contact Olivia Miller, Communications Coordinator: press@persecution.org.
