Assa-Irada, Azerbaijan
March 23 2006
Russian culture worker claims destruction of ancient graves
Baku, March 22, AssA-Irada
A Russian culture worker has condemned the alleged destruction of
ancient graves in Azerbaijan’s exclave of Nakhchivan.
`The destruction of Armenian tombstone crosses in the town of Julfa
[Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic] could be described only as a crime,’
said Mikhail Piotrovski, whose wife is of Armenian descent.
Piotrovski heads the Hermitage, one of the largest museums in the
world.
`The destruction of historic monuments for political reasons should
be denounced by everyone. UNESCO and other international
organizations should investigate these undesirable developments and
prosecute the culprits,’ he maintained.
The Azeri ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloghlu voiced his
astonishment at the statement, saying it was a result of Armenian
propaganda.
`We should take counter steps. The embassy will scrutinize the matter
and take relevant measures,’ he said.
The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry exercised restraint in responding to
Piotrovski’s utterances. Its spokesman Tahir Tagizada said he would
not comment on statements by a separate individual.*