Artsakh Union condemns cultural heritage destruction

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Artsakh Union has called on Armenia’s authorities to reconsider what it described as inaction that encourages Baku, following reports of church destruction in Stepanakert.

In its statement, the organization condemned the demolition of Armenian churches, describing it as a manifestation of cultural genocide.

“The destruction of the Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Stepanakert, following the demolition of St. Hakob Church in the city occupied by Azerbaijan, represents the culmination of a consistent policy aimed at erasing Armenian cultural presence and a state-level cultural genocide. These new crimes are a direct consequence of impunity for previous acts, the absolute silence of the international community, and effectively encouraging statements and inaction by Armenia’s authorities,” the statement said.

The group urged the Armenian government to revise its approach and take concrete steps. In particular, it called for intensifying efforts in international legal platforms, including обращения to the International Court of Justice to seek provisional measures.

It also stressed the need to raise the issue at the United Nations Security Council and UNESCO, with the aim of pursuing possible restrictions or sanctions against Azerbaijan. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of making cultural heritage protection a key condition in ongoing negotiations.

The union further appealed to the international community to ensure access for independent observers to assess the condition of remaining monuments and prevent further damage.

According to the organization, Armenia should adopt a more consistent and proactive stance as a party involved in international legal processes to safeguard Armenian cultural heritage.

Earlier reports indicated that Azerbaijan destroyed the Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Stepanakert, after the earlier demolition of St. Hakob Church.