Another Manifestation of Azerbaijani Vandalism in Tzitzernavank

In an interview with Artsakhpress, the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport of the Republic of Artsakh, Lernik Hovhannisyan, stated that the information regarding Azerbaijani vandalism in Tzitzernavank was provided by the independent academic platform "Monument Watch" for the observation and study of monuments.

"Notably, the destruction of the unique shurf of Tzitzernavank has been highlighted, which, according to researcher Alexander Hakobyan, is a wine vessel embedded beneath the clay-tiled floor, one of the unique phenomena of Tzitzernavank. Photos reveal the absence of the Holy Table of Tzitzernavank, the altar's candle lighting, which is also among the options causing damage. Unfortunately, this policy of Azerbaijani cultural ethnocide is not new. They aim to defile Tzitzernavank and appropriate it under that name," said Hovhannisyan, emphasizing that despite the International Court of Justice's ruling in The Hague which bans the desecration of Armenian churches, Azerbaijan continues its policy of cultural genocide.

"We are dealing with an enemy that does not consider any international or other response, pursues its policy, and unfortunately remains unpunished," concluded the Deputy Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport.