Negotiations with Azerbaijan Underway to Restore Pilgrimages to Dadivank

Artsakh is conducting negotiations through Russian peacekeepers with Baku regarding the restoration of pilgrimages to Dadivank, Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan, the leader of the Artsakh Diocese, told reporters in Stepanakert, as reported by aysor.am.

According to him, from November to May, the Azerbaijani side made every effort to complicate and prolong the visitations of pilgrims. Initially, they demanded the details of the pilgrims, then they extended the verification process, citing the pandemic, and later the rising levels of the Tartar River as reasons for the delays. Observing that the Armenian side persistently continued the pilgrimages, they ultimately banned them altogether on May 12.

The spiritual leader of Artsakh believes that all these actions were a result of the Azerbaijani side's desire for a “more outspoken presence.” Now, as Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan has reported, negotiations are again underway to allow pilgrimages.

“The Azerbaijanis have a bard's grave in the village of Aghdaban, which they want to visit. We have also proposed to allow them to do so in front of Dadivank. The process is still ongoing,” he said.

Bishop Vrtanes Abrahamyan noted that currently there are six clergymen at Dadivank, performing their spiritual duties, but they are not confined to the area and have free access in and out.

He also mentioned that a few days ago, 30 Udis visited Dadivank, including clergy and civilians. After praying, they left.