ArmInfo. Historically, being at the crossroads of different civilizations, Armenia has formed deep traditions of coexistence, as well as respect for other cultures and religions.
As Armenian Foreign Ministry told Armenpress, the Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said this in Paris on November 1 during a speech at the plenary session of the 39th session of the UNESCO General Conference.
According to the Armenian minister, this is why the country retains a rich cultural heritage, which includes, among others, the temple Hellenistic era, the oldest churches, the medieval Greek cemetery, the 18th century mosque, and soon the construction of the world's largest Yezidi temple will be completed. "Cooperation in the field of protection of cultural heritage is one of the fundamental principles voiced by UNESCO, which is of exceptional importance for the Armenian people, since we have monuments both in the region and beyond, and which were built by Armenians in about 100 countries. Our neighbors showed different attitudes towards the preservation of the Armenian cultural heritage, and there is a successful cooperation with Iran, which properly takes care of Armenian monuments on its territory, unlike neighboring Azerbaijan as well as Turkey, where many cultural monuments of universal importance were lost forever.In this connection, I want to confirm Armenia's interest in the participation of Armenian experts, in excavations and restoration works in Turkey on such territories as, for example, the Armenian medieval capital of Ani We are also deeply concerned about attacks on Armenian shrines and cultural monuments in Syria We are deeply convinced that the restoration process in Syria must confirm the rights of religious and national including Armenians, to their cultural heritage, "Nalbandian said.
At the same time, he reminded that in this ode the UN Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2347, which expresses regret and condemns the illegal destruction of cultural heritage and religious shrines, especially from terrorist groups. Nalbandian expressed hope that the international community will actively continue these efforts. "Today, the demand for such efforts, which instill and reinforce the idea of peace in people's minds and that make our differences superior, preserve and use our common heritage as a bridge between generations, cultures and peoples." Armenia firmly believes in this UNESCO mission and is ready continue to contribute to the achievement of these goals, "the Armenian Foreign Minister summarized.
At the 39th session of the General Conference of UNESCO, held from 30 October to 14 November in Paris, representatives of all 195 Member States of the Organization gathered to determine the budget, direction of programs and activities of the Organization for the next two years. On the margins of the General Conference, a rich program of side events is planned, including presentations and discussions on key issues in all areas of UNESCO's competence: education, science and culture, as well as information and communication.