Translated from Aztagdaily
(Aztagdaily/ANCA)–A delegation from the Armenian National Committee of Lebanon met with the European Union (EU) Representative there to protest the destruction of a medieval Armenian cemetery in the southern Nakhichevan region of Julfa–by Azeri Armed forces.
The delegation–composed of Alice Boghosian–Hagop Havatian–and Dr. Elie Tashjian–presented EU representative Patrick Renauld–a letter requesting action–as well as a 12-minute video that captures Azeri troops destroying the cemetery–including unique carved cross stones (khachkars).
Renauld conveyed his understanding of the situation and promised to take the issue to the EU.
The cemetery–home to more than 10,000 individual cross stones was subjected to sustained attacks throughout the 20th century and again–starting in 2002–when Azeri forces crushed hundreds of the crosses and shipped the rubble from the region by rail. The most recent attacks have been the worst yet.
ANC delegation members stressed that the action is a continuation of Azerbaijan’s policy of ethnic cleansing–which it has advanced since 1918–specifically in Mountainous Karabagh and Nakhichevan–just as Turkey attempts to erase all traces of Armenian culture and religious civilization.
Renauld expressed hope for a just and comprehensive resolution to the Karabagh conflict–and commended the persistence of the Armenian diaspora in advancing Armenian issues and seeking just resolutions.