YEREVAN. - Armenian News-NEWS.am received a letter from UNESCO addressed to the author of the article about ‘The art of Khachkars – Armenian cross-stones’ exhibition held in UNESCO headquarters from June 15 to 24.
Some French media outlets reported about the incident during exhibition: quotations indicating the place of origin of each khachkhar were removed.
Such actions were condemned by Armenian expert in ethnography Hranush Kharatyan who accused international agencies of supporting cultural genocide.
The Russian service of RFI talked to Zaven Sargsyan, author of the exhibition, who was also depressed about the incident.
“We lost hope in UNESCO,” he said. The exhibition featured photos proving that Azerbaijani started desecration of the Armenian cemetery 10 years ago.
“The cemetery was located in the territory of Nakhchivan near the Iranian border,” he said.
He added that representatives of UNESCO said the photos made in the territory of Azerbaijan and Turkey should be removed.
“They told we should have agreed on the issue with Azerbaijan and Turkey,” said Sargsyan.
Finally UNESCO responded to accusations. In a letter addressed to Armenian News-NEWS.am they wrote the exhibition was not censored.
“When Armenia ratified the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2006, the country recognized ‘the invaluable role of the intangible cultural heritage as a factor in bringing human beings closer together and ensuring exchange and understanding among them’.
In nominating the symbolism and craftsmanship of the Khachkars for inscription on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Armenia also committed to promote a heritage and craftsmanship that are shared by different cultures and different countries. It further asserted that ‘inscription of the element will contribute to ensuring visibility and awareness of the significance of the intangible cultural heritage and to encouraging dialogue’,” the letter reads.
The author noted that UNESCO welcomed the initiative of the Permanent Delegation to present an exhibition that would focus on the symbolism and craftsmanship of these important cultural expressions.
“When an activity taking place at UNESCO headquarters involves other countries, it is standard practice that prior consultation with those countries should be undertaken. Unfortunately, this key condition was not fulfilled in the case of the Armenian exhibition.
After examining the items proposed for the exhibition, it appeared that certain elements might undermine the spirit of international understanding and cooperation that underpins all of UNESCO’s work, or go beyond the strict mandate of the Organization.
As a result, the Permanent Delegation of Armenia agreed to remove these elements. UNESCO itself did not “censor” any information, nor did it deny any historical fact. It tried to work closely with the Armenian authorities to avoid an unnecessary politization of a cultural activity.
At all times during the preparatory phases of the exhibition, the UNESCO Secretariat has strictly followed the rules and procedures applicable to all Member States, and spared no effort to ensure the success of the event”.
“UNESCO is unwavering in its commitment to international understanding, dialogue, and mutual respect,” reads the letter sent by Victoria Kalinin, Russian editor, Sector for External Relations and Public Information.
