We express our indignation with the extermination of the last remained khachkars (cross-stones) in the region of Old Jugha in Nakhichevan, where around a hundred of Azerbaijani soldiers armed with hammers, spades and heavy machines began the destruction of the unique medieval Armenian khachkars, tombs and monuments remained in that part of historical Armenia.

We appeal to the world community to stop this act of vandalism.

While the international community is making efforts to find ways for reconciliation of two nations, the present act of barbarianism sanctioned by the officials in Baku, demonstrates once again, the real intentions of the Azerbaijani government – that is, to finalize the cultural cleansing of Armenian heritage in Azerbaijan.

In 2002, owing to the joint efforts of Armenia and UNESCO, it became possible to stop the extermination of the khachkars of Jugha (Julfa). However, Azerbaijan continues its policy of cultural genocide violating its obligations as a member state of UNESCO.

The khachkars of Jugha (Julfa) are the heritage of Armenian and world civilization placed under the UNESCO and should be protected from such barbarianism.

With the present letter we appeal to the international organizations, representatives and officials, people of all nationalities and races to unite with us and condemn the act of vandalism of the Azerbaijani authorities towards the medieval Armenian Heritage of Jugha (Julfa) in Nakhichevan.

We urge UNESCO and governmental institutions worldwide to act and help to safe the khachkar remnants, and even to transport them to Armenia, if can not be protected from the barbarians.

We also appeal to the sensible part of Azerbaijani society to stop and condemn this act of vandalism.

arev.ru

armenia.ru

armenianhouse.org

artsakh.info

artsakhworld.com

genocide.ru

hayastan.com

openaremenia.com

sumgait.info

Centеr of Social Economic Monitoring NGO

Center for Strategic Research

Armenischer Jugendausschus München