Vladimir Karapetian, Acting Head of Press and Information Department, Responds to 'Haylur' News Program

Question & Answer

Vladimir Karapetian, Acting Head of Press and Information Department, Responds to 'Haylur' News Program
September 01, 2006

QUESTION: MediaMax says, Azerbaijan did not let the European Union monitoring group visit Nakhichevan in order to investigate the reasons for the destruction of the Armenian cultural monuments in Nor Jougha. It is clear that in its attempt to erase traces of Armenians' historical presence in Nakhichevan, Azerbaijan will impede international monitors' visits. What is the Ministry's reaction?

MR. KARAPETIAN: It's not the first time that the Azerbaijani side creates obstacles for missions wishing to visit Nakhichevan. Moreover, Azerbaijan does its best to cover up the traces of destruction and to distract the international community's attention from their successful demolition of Armenians' spiritual and cultural legacy.

Various foreign experts and the international news media reported that the Government of Azerbaijan absolutely willfully planned and implemented the eradication of more than 2,000 Armenian gravestones.

That action, together with the ongoing efforts anti-Armenian propaganda is evidence that Azerbaijan continues to believe that forceful means are preferable and therefore, creates obstacles for those, like the European Parliamentarians, who wish to see and assess the situation for themselves.

Nonetheless, we believe the international community will continue to report on and condemn the destruction of the Armenian cultural heritage in Nakhichevan.

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