Arminfo.info


 Wednesday, October 9 2019 11:17
Marianna Mkrtchyan

The Patriarch of All Georgia is sounding the alarm in connection with  the situation around the David Gareji monastery complex

The Patriarch of All Georgia is sounding the alarm in connection with  the situation around the David Gareji monastery complex

ArmInfo.Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II addressed a letter to the  Prime Minister of Georgia George Gaharii in connection with the  situation that developed around the monastery complex David Gareji.

In a letter published by the Georgian Patriarchate of Elijah to  Gahariya, in particular, it says: "I greet you with respect and  address you about a very important issue in our opinion. The case  concerns two important monasteries - Udabno and Chichkhituri.  Everything is legally and cartographically. Between the leadership of  Georgia and On March 5-7, 1938 and June 13, 1996, the Azerbaijani  side reached a bilateral agreement, according to which the state  border should be drawn in accordance with a map on a scale of 1: 200  000, published in 1936-1939 by the People's Commissariat in According  to the bilaterally recognized map, the monasteries of Udabno and  Chichkhituri are recorded on the territory of Georgia (unlike  Bertubani, which is also an integral part of the Gareji, but ended up  on the territory of Azerbaijan), which is why, by Decree No. 315 of  the Government of the Republic of Georgia of April 21, 1991 the  liberated area of the landfill located on the territory of the Gareji  monastery landfill (where the monasteries), together with other land,  was transferred to the ownership of the Georgian patriarchate. In the  legal sense, this property was further approved on October 14, 2002  by the constitutional agreement concluded between the Georgian state  and the Georgian church in which we read: all the churches and  monasteries and the lands on which they are located are recognized as  the property of the church (7.1). Consequently, the actions of the  Azerbaijani side are completely incomprehensible to us, as a result  of which, since 2019, we have actually been deprived of the Udabno  and Chichkhituri monasteries and worshipers, tourists, as well as  clergy, have completely limited access to them. It turns out that  before the village, the existing reality this year, outside of any  logic, has been changed, with which we cannot reconcile. We demand  that before the completion of the delimitation and demarcation  process, the previously existing status quo was restored and that  there were no problems for clergy and tourists who came to get  acquainted with our culture in connection with the desire to visit  the monasteries of Udabno and Chichhituri, especially since  maintaining the actual situation in such territory binding, and  changing the situation without consent from another state, especially  through violent action, is completely unacceptable. We think that the  Azerbaijani people friendly to the Georgian people and the leadership  of their state will correctly assess the situation, so that there  would continue to be no alternative to good-neighborly and friendly  relations between our peoples. We hope, Mr. George, that through your  intervention the issue will be resolved positively and historical  justice backed by international standards will be restored. God bless  and strengthen you>.

The letter is dated October 1st. Copies were sent to the Ministers of  Foreign and Internal Affairs of Georgia, as well as to the State  Agency for Religious Affairs of Georgia.  Note that in the spring of  this year, a serious scandal erupted between Georgia and Azerbaijan  over the David Gareji complex. After the Georgian press reported with  reference to Archimandrite Kirion (Oniani) that the Azerbaijani  border guards began to establish signs prohibiting movement at the  Udabno monastery on the territory of the medieval Georgian cave  complex, and the access to the desert monastery was blocked by  Azerbaijanis for three days scandal broke out.

Recall that David Gareji is a unique complex of Georgian cave  monasteries, numbering about 20, carved into the rocks. The main  object of the complex is the Lavra of St. David. In many churches and  refectories on the territory of the complex, frescoes of the 8th-14th  centuries are preserved, including those depicting Queen Tamar. Part  of the David Gareji complex controlled by Azerbaijan, including the  Udabno Monastery, is located on the southwestern slope of the  semi-desert Gareji Ridge. The problem is that Baku considers David  Gareji a part of Albanian culture, not Georgian. Hence the ongoing  "war" between Azerbaijan and Georgia over the monasteries. Flared up  now, before Easter, the scandal seems to have been able to quickly  stop. A few hours after the appearance of information on the actions  of Azerbaijani border guards at the Georgian Foreign Ministry, they  stated that the problem was resolved and priests, flocks and tourists  would be conveniently let into the monastery. Georgian Foreign  Minister David Zalkaliani said that he personally spoke with his Baku  counterpart, after which the Azerbaijani authorities decided  accordingly.  In turn, the head of the presidential administration of  Georgia, Lasha Zhvania, said: "Such facts suggest that the issue of  delimiting the border between countries is very important. It is  necessary that, according to the existing agreement between the  presidents of Georgia and friendly Azerbaijan, the commission  temporarily resume work, so that borders between the two friendly  countries are finally established and there is no longer any place  for artificial tension>.

This position was supported in Baku. A spokeswoman for the  Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, Leyla Abdullayeva, said that her  country was "ready to complete the delimitation process of the  Azerbaijani- Georgian border in the near future". At the same time,  she clarified that the Azerbaijani border guards laid walking paths  to David Gareji for several days, because of the work, the road  leading to the Udabno monastery was closed to tourists and pilgrims,  as well as to clergy. But if this is so, why didn't the Azerbaijani  border guards inform the cave complex ministers in advance about  this, which would avoid a scandal? There are questions to Tbilisi.  Archimandrite Kirion linked what is happening with recent statements  by Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili about the need to agree on  disputed sections of the border as soon as possible and complete the  delimitation process, although Georgian Catholicos Ilia II forbade  clergy to make political statements. The issue of the border was  raised during the visit of Zurabishvili to Baku in February 2019.

Note that a few days earlier, the Azerbaijani side announced the  opening of a new border post at David Gareji. 

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Archbishops Mikael Ajapakhian and Bagrat Galstanian, currently in NSS  detention center, go on hunger strikeArchbishops Mikael Ajapakhian and Bagrat Galstanian, currently in NSS  detention center, go on hunger strike
Holy Etchmiadzin issued statement expressing indignation at   reprehensible campaign unleashed by Holy Etchmiadzin issued statement expressing indignation at   reprehensible campaign unleashed by 
Under  hashtag #MERDZEVOV, march in support of political prisoner,  well-known businessman and entrepreneur Samvel Karapetyan starting on  the central boulevard of YerevanUnder  hashtag #MERDZEVOV, march in support of political prisoner,  well-known businessman and entrepreneur Samvel Karapetyan starting on  the central boulevard of Yerevan
A march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in YerevanA march in support of Samvel Karapetyan started in Yerevan
A leader without trust, an opposition without support and peace  without concessions:  Nikol Pashinyan`s 7 years in powerA leader without trust, an opposition without support and peace  without concessions:  Nikol Pashinyan`s 7 years in power
Armenian Cathedral of Ani to function as a mosque after restorationArmenian Cathedral of Ani to function as a mosque after restoration
IDBank issues the 3rd, 4th and 5th tranches of bonds of 2025IDBank issues the 3rd, 4th and 5th tranches of bonds of 2025
Christian Solidarity International urges UN Human Rights Council to  appoint a special rapporteur for Nagorno-KarabakhChristian Solidarity International urges UN Human Rights Council to  appoint a special rapporteur for Nagorno-Karabakh
Armenia`s public multiplex  should not be used to serve foreign  policy agendas - StatementArmenia`s public multiplex  should not be used to serve foreign  policy agendas - Statement
Lawyer: the next part of Marlezon Ballet being staged in parliamentLawyer: the next part of Marlezon Ballet being staged in parliament
Alen Simonyan believes that Catholicos of All Armenians will soon  vacate Patriarchal throneAlen Simonyan believes that Catholicos of All Armenians will soon  vacate Patriarchal throne
Armenian Court of Appeal upholds Samvel Karapetyan`s arrestArmenian Court of Appeal upholds Samvel Karapetyan`s arrest
Lindsay Snell calls for support of  ANCA initiative to launch a  bipartisan Congressional letter in defense of Artsakh Armenians Lindsay Snell calls for support of  ANCA initiative to launch a  bipartisan Congressional letter in defense of Artsakh Armenians 
According to recording, <Tashir Samvel> was supposed to join later,  and Bagrat Galstanyan speaks about this: RA NA Speaker According to recording, was supposed to join later,  and Bagrat Galstanyan speaks about this: RA NA Speaker 
Levon Kocharyan is not a political figure: Alen Simonyan does not  comment on his remarksLevon Kocharyan is not a political figure: Alen Simonyan does not  comment on his remarks
Taguhi Tovmasyan to RA Prosecutor General: Maybe you haven`t received   SMS, and there is no political expediency in punishing Civil  Contract`s favorite businessman ?Taguhi Tovmasyan to RA Prosecutor General: Maybe you haven`t received   SMS, and there is no political expediency in punishing Civil  Contract`s favorite businessman ?
French Arnouville adopts resolution condemning unfair expulsion of   ICRC from AzerbaijanFrench Arnouville adopts resolution condemning unfair expulsion of   ICRC from Azerbaijan
Gegham Stepanyan: Artsakh art historians have no legal issues in  Armenia, difficulties exist only in practical fieldGegham Stepanyan: Artsakh art historians have no legal issues in  Armenia, difficulties exist only in practical field
All conversations and a fragment of the recording with Archbishop  Bagrat Galstanyan are manipulative - ARFAll conversations and a fragment of the recording with Archbishop  Bagrat Galstanyan are manipulative - ARF
Azerbaijan holding 17th ECO summit in occupied StepanakertAzerbaijan holding 17th ECO summit in occupied Stepanakert
Vahagn Chakhalyan detained Vahagn Chakhalyan detained 
RA Prosecutor General personally submitted report on Samvel  Karapetyan, which is evidence of political persecution - lawyer RA Prosecutor General personally submitted report on Samvel  Karapetyan, which is evidence of political persecution - lawyer 
Azerbaijani regime continues crackdown on journalists Azerbaijani regime continues crackdown on journalists 
RA FM holds farewell meeting with Swedish ambassador to Armenia RA FM holds farewell meeting with Swedish ambassador to Armenia 
Transport movement to be stopped in some of Yerevan`s neighborhoods  on July 4 and 5 Transport movement to be stopped in some of Yerevan`s neighborhoods  on July 4 and 5 
Cultural return must be cause of return to Artsakh - ex-minister of  culture Cultural return must be cause of return to Artsakh - ex-minister of  culture 
`Armenia`s ruling force staging performance against me` - Seyran  Ohanyan `Armenia`s ruling force staging performance against me` - Seyran  Ohanyan 
RA NA discussing consent to prosecution of MPs Seyran Ohanyan and  Artsvik Minasyan RA NA discussing consent to prosecution of MPs Seyran Ohanyan and  Artsvik Minasyan 
Yerevan hopes for strategic partnership with Washington Yerevan hopes for strategic partnership with Washington 
Pashinyan to Trump: `I highly appreciate your vision for ending  conflicts and establishing peace in the world`Pashinyan to Trump: `I highly appreciate your vision for ending  conflicts and establishing peace in the world`
Russian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan demands apology from  pro-government MPsRussian-Armenian businessman Samvel Karapetyan demands apology from  pro-government MPs
Armenia needs mechanisms to prevent one-man rule - expert Armenia needs mechanisms to prevent one-man rule - expert 
Armenia`s ex-premier raises voice in defense of Russian-Armenian  businessman Samvel Karapetyan Armenia`s ex-premier raises voice in defense of Russian-Armenian  businessman Samvel Karapetyan 
Armenia appreciates US support for peace efforts in South Caucasus -  RA vice-premier Armenia appreciates US support for peace efforts in South Caucasus -  RA vice-premier 
Armenian authorities actions killing businesses - UAR president Armenian authorities actions killing businesses - UAR president 
Current authorities` actions in  the energy sector demonstrate a consistent and systematic anti-national strategy: David AnanyanCurrent authorities` actions in  the energy sector demonstrate a consistent and systematic anti-national strategy: David Ananyan
Ottawa to continue its support to Yerevan: AmbassadorOttawa to continue its support to Yerevan: Ambassador
If the border crossing  between Armenia and Turkey is to be renamed,  it should be in honor of Hrant Dink:  International Institute for  Genocide and Human Rights If the border crossing  between Armenia and Turkey is to be renamed,  it should be in honor of Hrant Dink:  International Institute for  Genocide and Human Rights 
Armenia`s National Assembly  adopted statement on  inadmissibility of  state power seizureArmenia`s National Assembly  adopted statement on  inadmissibility of  state power seizure
Even while in custody, Samvel Karapetyan  is a thousand times more  liberated than  Armenian authorities:  son of Tashir State  Corporation`s head Even while in custody, Samvel Karapetyan  is a thousand times more  liberated than  Armenian authorities:  son of Tashir State  Corporation`s head 
Mikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers file an appeal against the decision to arrestMikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers file an appeal against the decision to arrest
Armenia, Vienna discuss ways to enhance cooperation in migrationArmenia, Vienna discuss ways to enhance cooperation in migration
Mirzoyan: Armenia seeks to strengthen ties with China without any  limitationsMirzoyan: Armenia seeks to strengthen ties with China without any  limitations
Armenian-Belgian consultations between Foreign Ministries of Armenia  and Belgium  held in YerevanArmenian-Belgian consultations between Foreign Ministries of Armenia  and Belgium  held in Yerevan
Armenia willing to join SCOArmenia willing to join SCO
Less than 10,000 out of approximately 150,000 internally displaced  persons  from Nagorno-Karabakh received citizenship  of ArmeniaLess than 10,000 out of approximately 150,000 internally displaced  persons  from Nagorno-Karabakh received citizenship  of Armenia
RA Minister of Justice announces creation of self-regulatory body in   media RA Minister of Justice announces creation of self-regulatory body in   media 
Pashinyan receives Ambassador of Sweden, who is concluding his  diplomatic mission in ArmeniaPashinyan receives Ambassador of Sweden, who is concluding his  diplomatic mission in Armenia
Results of meeting of Constitutional Reforms Council to underlie  ideology of new Constitution Results of meeting of Constitutional Reforms Council to underlie  ideology of new Constitution 
Financial assistance programme for some forcibly displaced  Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to be continued until end of 2025 Financial assistance programme for some forcibly displaced  Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians to be continued until end of 2025 
Armenian law-enforcers confiscate over 7kg of marijuana Armenian law-enforcers confiscate over 7kg of marijuana 
Ardshinbank summed up the raffle organized for Mastercard Business cardholdersArdshinbank summed up the raffle organized for Mastercard Business cardholders
Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to allocate  $9.6mln to Armenia Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria to allocate  $9.6mln to Armenia 
Armenia modifies order of compensations under ECHR judgments Armenia modifies order of compensations under ECHR judgments 
No one can deal with issue of Ruben Vardanyan`s release - Andrey  MovchanNo one can deal with issue of Ruben Vardanyan`s release - Andrey  Movchan
Armenia`s premier demands early election of Catholicos of All  Armenians Armenia`s premier demands early election of Catholicos of All  Armenians 
Checkpoint on Turkish-Armenian border  could be renamed Talaat Pasha  Border CrossingCheckpoint on Turkish-Armenian border  could be renamed Talaat Pasha  Border Crossing
Sargis Khandanyan elected Chair of General Committee on Democracy,  Human Rights and Humanitarian QuestionsSargis Khandanyan elected Chair of General Committee on Democracy,  Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions
Azerbaijani and Armenian leaders to meet in Dubai later in JulyAzerbaijani and Armenian leaders to meet in Dubai later in July
Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers filed petition with  prosecutor`s office to terminate  criminal prosecutionArchbishop Mikael Ajapahyan`s lawyers filed petition with  prosecutor`s office to terminate  criminal prosecution
Read more



Commented