06 06 13 - SWISS FM: ARMENIAN CEMETERY DEMOLITION IN NACHICHEVAN SHOULD BE CONDEMNED

Yerkir - 12.06.2006 14:57

YEREVAN (YERKIR) - "During my latest visit to Azerbaijan I stressed the importance of maintenance of cultural heritage. We condemn the demolition of the Armenian cemetery in Old Djulfa in Nakhichevan by an order of the Azeri authorities," Swiss Foreign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey stated at a news conference in Yerevan.

In her words, Switzerland has appealed to UNESCO on the issue and the PACE Committee on Protection of Cultural Heritage will pay a visit to the site in September.

"Armenia and Switzerland have a different history but our cultures have much in common. The Armenian community of Switzerland carries out a great deal of work to familiarize the Swiss with the Armenian
culture and traditions," underscored Ms. Calmy-Rey.

V.V