RESOLUTION | 17th Assembly

On the preservation of Armenian Christian spiritual and cultural monuments in the region and the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh issue.

The Interparliamentary Assembly on Orthodoxy (I.A.O.) during its General Assembly in Yerevan:

Expressing its particular concern on the ongoing destruction of Christian Armenian historical and cultural monuments in the region,

Based on rules and principles of international law, and especially the provisions of the 1972 UNESCO Convention on the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural heritage,

Considering that due to wars, conflicts and political turmoil, the ancient monuments of Christian spirituality and culture in Caucasus and surrounding regions, created in the course of centuries by the Armenian people’s genius and labor, are still under the risk of complete destruction, thus ceasing to exist as heritage for future generations,

Expressing its concern for the lack of progress in the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue and expressing its concern for the ongoing war rhetorics, and applauding all diplomatic and other efforts directed towards peace-keeping in Caucasus,

ADOPTS THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:
1. Condemns all acts of destruction and desecration of Christian Armenian values – churches, monasteries, cross-stones, headstones, historic-cultural monuments and other holy places, wherever these may be,
2. Draws the attention of the Convention’s for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage signatory states upon their responsibility over the destruction of historical monuments of Christian spiritualism and culture,
3. Strictly condemns the risk of a war threat and militaristic declarations stated regarding the intention expressed to resolve the Karabakh issue by use of force, as well as persistent efforts to give the issue a religious tint,
4. Welcomes the efforts of the OSCE Minsk group, aimed at a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh issue, in line with the rules of international law and with all due respect for the right of the Nagorno Karabakh people to self-determination.