Karekin II Appeals to Religious Leaders and UNESCO Over Artsakh Heritage Issues

The cultural heritage and monuments of Artsakh that have come under Azerbaijani control are in jeopardy. This was stated by His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, in an interview with "Izvestia."

According to the Catholicos, Baku is refusing to allow UNESCO representatives to assess the state of Armenian cultural heritage in person. Karekin II also noted that Russian peacekeepers are making efforts to ensure the protection of Armenian cultural heritage.

Within the Armenian Apostolic Church, a special department has been established to oversee the preservation of monuments of international significance. The Catholicos indicated that they have appealed to religious leaders, international cultural organizations and institutions, as well as to UNESCO, regarding the preservation of these monuments.

Karekin II expressed hope that, through the efforts of international bodies, urgent actions could be taken for the preservation of these monuments.

"Izvestia" has sent official inquiries to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense and UNESCO to clarify what obstacles have arisen regarding the inspection of cultural heritage monuments. It is worth noting that UNESCO has been unable to obtain approval from the Azerbaijani leadership for oversight and inspection of Armenian cultural monuments that have come under its control for a significant period of time.