Baku informs UNESCO about destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage by Armenia

Azerbaijan attaches great importance to the effective implementation of UNESCO priorities and programmes.

These remarks are contained in Azerbaijan's statement read out by Elman Abdullayev, Permanent Delegate to UNESCO, at the 217th session of the organisation's Executive Board on October 11, Report informs.

"Azerbaijan is determined to work with UNESCO and Member States in an open, transparent and inclusive manner. We actively support the organization's initiatives in the field of intercultural dialogue, as well as the fight against racism and discrimination, and consistently promote dialogue between cultures and religions through global initiatives such as the Baku Process and Peace for Culture," the statement said.

The statement noted that Azerbaijan continues to contribute to the global agenda of peace, security and sustainable development within its capabilities and as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.

"But the dangerous trends still taking place in the region, such as racism, discrimination and related intolerance, are raising concern," it said.

The text of the statement notes that Armenia's policy of ethnic cleansing against Azerbaijanis has also had a significant negative impact on the intangible cultural heritage of Azerbaijan.

"Armenia's destruction of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage is a violation of the cultural rights of every Azerbaijani, in particular the right to enjoy cultural heritage," it reads.

The statement also referred to the elimination of the so-called "regime" in Karabakh, the disarmament of illegal armed formations, the process of reintegration of Armenian residents of the Karabakh region into Azerbaijani society, including the creation of a special portal for this purpose, as well as the formation of a favourable environment for the continuation of dialogue.