What is happening in Shushi is nothing less than cultural genocide, cultural terrorism and cultural Nazism. This was stated by Artsakh Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, commenting on the destruction of the domes of the Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi by Azerbaijanis.
“The Azerbaijani authorities are in fact trying in this way to deliver a very tangible blow, and are delivering it, to our historical memory, to our pride. But we must withstand the blow and we are withstanding it, no matter how heavy and repulsive it may be. It must be understood that what is now being done at Ghazanchetsots may have tactical goals. Since Azerbaijan, in essence, by encroaching on Ghazanchetsots, by destroying the angels and the crosses, is pursuing certain goals. Knowing Azerbaijan, having studied this country for a long time, we can say that apart from the elements of Nazism, terrorism and genocide, there is also a tactical factor. It is deliberately drawing attention to this, pursuing several goals. The first, as I said, is to strike at our identity, our pride, memory, self-respect. The second is to pave the way for itself in this manner by diverting our attention from what it is now doing in the occupied territories. And in the occupied territories, the entire cultural and historical heritage of Artsakh is being destroyed. The noise around the encroachment on Ghazanchetsots is an attempt to divert attention from other vile acts, barbarism and vandalism.
Furthermore, it is not excluded that in this way they are trying to divert attention from humanitarian issues, prisoners of war, hostages and other issues. We have certain concerns that they are engaged in the sale of organs there.
We have conveyed our position and concerns to many circles. Perhaps in Azerbaijan they have sensed that their crimes could become the subject of an investigation, and have decided to go on the offensive themselves, to divert attention and focus on Ghazanchetsots. This moment is characteristic of many criminals. Understanding what impact it will have, they go for it. They mock international law, the international community, and “resolve” their issues.
We must realise that all our victories and defeats depend on us.
And to them I want to remind that he who destroys the house of God will never go unpunished. But that is already another story,” concluded Davit Babayan.
