MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
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PRESS AND INFORMATION DEPARTMENT
Government House # 2, Republic Square
Yerevan 0010, Republic of Armenia
Telephone: +37410. 544041 ext 202
Fax: +37410. 562543
Email: press@mfa.am

PRESS RELEASE

01-09-2006

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

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.