What is happening in Shushi is nothing but cultural genocide, Babayan

What is happening in Shushi is nothing but cultural genocide, cultural terrorism, and cultural Nazism. This was stated by the Foreign Minister of Artsakh, Davit Babayan, in an interview with NEWS.am, commenting on the destruction of the domes of the Ghazanchetsots Church by Azerbaijanis.

“The authorities of Azerbaijan are effectively trying to deal a tangible blow to our historical memory, our pride. But we must withstand this blow, and we will withstand it, no matter how heavy and repulsive it may be. It should be understood that what is currently happening in Ghazanchetsots may have tactical objectives. By violating Ghazanchetsots, destroying the angels and crosses, Azerbaijan pursues certain goals,” Babayan noted.

“Knowing Azerbaijan and studying this country for a long time, we can say that besides elements of Nazism, terrorism, and genocide, there is also a tactical factor. They pay special attention to it, pursuing several goals. The first, as I said, is to strike at our identity, pride, memory, and self-esteem. The second is to pave the way for themselves by diverting our attention from what they are currently doing in the occupied territories. And in the occupied territories, all the cultural and historical heritage of Artsakh is being destroyed. The noise surrounding the violation of Ghazanchetsots aims to divert attention from other vile acts, barbarism, and vandalism.

Moreover, it is not excluded that in this way they are trying to distract from humanitarian issues, prisoners of war, hostages, and other issues. We have certain concerns that they are involved in organ trafficking there. We have conveyed our position and concerns to many circles. Perhaps in Azerbaijan, they have felt that their crimes may become the subject of investigation, and they have decided to launch an attack themselves to divert attention and focus on Ghazanchetsots. This behavior is characteristic of many criminals. Understanding the influence it will have, they proceed with it. They mock international law, the international community, and 'solve' their issues. We must realize that all our victories and defeats depend on us. And I want to remind them that whoever destroys the house of God will never remain unpunished. But that is another story,” concluded Davit Babayan.