Armenia to Seek International Condemnation Over Monument Destruction

Remember the earlier post about the systematic destruction of Armenian khachkars? Well, Armenia is going to do something about it!

Foreign minister Vartan Oskanian said today one of the foreign policy priorities this year will be to seek international condemnation of destruction of Armenian monuments, particularly, of a medieval cemetery in neighboring Azerbaijan's exclave Nakhichevan.

The monuments in question are intricate stone-carved crosses in the cemetery at Jugha - alternately known as Julfa - in Nakhichevan, an exclave wedged between Armenia and Iran and Turkey.

Oskanian said today Armenian diplomats will work to have the Council of Europe, UNESCO and other international organizations to condemn these barbaric acts.

Why settle for pictures when you can see the video in our earlier post? I have to warn you, though: it may be hard to watch. Who knew that one could become so emotionally charged just by watching the destruction of carved stone?

On a personal note, I applaud Armenia for making this an important priority in 2007. If all goes well, this year will be terrific for our people.

Source: ArmeniaDiaspora

Proof: Azerbaijanis Destroying Khachkars

If the video doesn't play, click here.

Not like anyone needed proof, but here it is anyway.

On December 15, 2005, eyewitnesses across the River Araxes videotaped Azeri soldiers destroying Armenian burial monuments - khachkars (cross stones). Azerbaijani officials denied the vandalism, but banned European Parliament members from visiting the site in March of 2006. Only a few outside news sources tried to publicize the tragedy.

“The New Tears of Araxes” is written by Sarah Pickman, a University of Chicago student, who was the only American reporter to cover the tragedy when she interned for Archaeology Magazine.

No matter what sort of proof the rest of the world has for any injustice, those perpetrating it will be undeterred. At least everyone seeing this video will see the people Armenians have had to deal with.

Source: Hetq