December 22, 2005 - 13:17 AMT
Georgian Armenians Indignant with Destruction of Armenian Monuments in Nakhichevan
Nor Serund (New Generation), the Union of Armenians of Georgia, addressed a letter to Azerbaijani Ambassador to Georgia Ramiz Gasanov to express indignation with the acts of vandalism, specifically the destruction of khachkars (cross-stones), gravestones and monuments in the Armenian cemetery in Old Julfa in Nakhichevan, Nor Serund told PanARMENIAN.Net. A group of representatives of various Georgian NGOs was formed for the further investigation of the above-mentioned fact. The leaders of the organization are hopeful for the support of the Ambassador in relative structures for conduction of a monitoring.

The letter addressed to Ambassador Gasanov says in part, "We, Georgian citizens, representatives of the Union of Armenians of Georgia Nor Serund came to know that an outrageous act of vandalism was committed December 15, 2005 in Old Julfa, Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. Most khachkars, gravestones and monuments in the Armenian cemetery were destroyed or thrown in to River Araks. We are deeply concerned with this fact and express our indignation with such treatment of architectural and historical monuments. We consider that monuments of the kind independently of their belonging, historical origin and location appear as a value for the world heritage. We bring to your notion that a group of representatives of various Georgian NGOs was formed for the further investigation of the above-mentioned fact. We are hopeful for your support in relative structures for conduction of a monitoring."