The issue of preserving shrines and cultural sites is part of Russia's contacts with the parties to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, according to Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, RIA Novosti reports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier noted in a conversation with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev the importance of ensuring the safety of Christian churches and monasteries in Karabakh.
The ancient Armenian monasteries of Dadivank and Amaras, the ruins and the archeological site of Tigranakert, the iconic Ghazanchetsots Cathedral in Shushi and hundreds of other historic monuments will be left to Azerbaijan, under a statement on the cessation of hostilities in Karabakh. At the moment, Russian peacekeepers have been deployed to the area near Dadivank to ensure the safety of both the church and the perishoners. The cathedral in Shushi, meanwhile, has already been vandalized: inscriptions in Azerbaijani have been painted on the walls.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Russian and Azerbaijani Presidents Vladimir Putin and Ilham Aliyev have signed a statement to end the war in Karabakh after almost 45 days. Karabakh (Artsakh) President Arayik Harutyunyan has said he has agreed to the deal signed by Armenia, Russia and Azerbaijan.
