Armenian Foreign Ministry on Azerbaijan's Latest Provocative Initiative Regarding Shushi

The statements from Azerbaijan regarding the inclusion of Shushi in the "UNESCO Creative Cities Network" are yet another provocation, the Armenian Foreign Ministry stated in response to a Sputnik Armenia inquiry.

It has been previously reported that Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture intends to submit documents to the UNESCO Secretariat to include Shushi in the "UNESCO Creative Cities Network." The Foreign Ministry noted that there is currently no information regarding such a request being sent by Azerbaijan.

Regarding publications from Azerbaijani media and statements by officials, the ministry emphasized that Baku constantly politicizes cultural projects within UNESCO frameworks and engages in various provocative initiatives. "In this regard, the announcement regarding Shushi's application for the 'UNESCO Creative Cities Network' is not an exception," the clarification stated.

The Foreign Ministry also noted that the issue of properly preserving Armenian cultural and religious values in the territories of Artsakh now under Azerbaijani control is under the ministry's attention. Efforts are being made in this regard, particularly in cooperation with UNESCO, to prevent the destruction and distortion of Armenian historical and cultural heritage.