Genocide is a crime against the identity of people and includes elimination of the cultural identity among other things, Advisor to the FM Marta Ayvazyan told a press conference on Monday, speaking of the Armenian Genocide commemorative events planned on April 24.
In Ayvazyan's words, 'Endangered Heritage' exhibition will open on April 24 for the representatives of international delegations set to visit Armenia to attend the Genocide commemorative events. The exhibition will feature more than 100 photos, handmade carpets, books and miniature paintings created in Shuhsi and other settlements of Artsakh. The works had been saved from destruction and transported to Armenia during the recent Nagorno-Karabakh war.
"The works showcase the rich heritage of Artsakh, which is now endangered and the phenomenon itself constitutes cultural genocide," Ayvazyan said, adding the exhibition has been initiated by the Cultural Diplomacy platform to draw the attention of the international community on the matter. The Foreign Ministry official informed that as of Monday, April 19, delegations from more than 10 countries have confirmed their participation in the events.
The head of State Commission for Preparation and Organization of the commemorative events Arayik Harutyunyan, in turn, informed that despite the coronavirus pandemic, the delegations set to arrive in Armenia include number of high-level officials.
Marta Ayvazyan also denied reports about talks with Turkey around the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. "The process of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide remains a key direction of the Ministry work, and we never miss an opportunity to voice the issue on respective platforms," stressed Ayvazyan.