Azerbaijan’s attempts to politicize UNESCO platform, which are reflected in the methods of organization’s work, are of concern, Armenian Foreign Ministry said in response to Gala TV inquiry.

During the 13th session UNESCO approved Azerbaijan’s application “Yalli (Kochari, Tenzere) traditional dances of Nakhichevan” to include the dances into the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

“According to the Convention on the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the inclusion in the list of the intangible cultural heritage of any element by a country does not imply the right of ownership in relation to this element.

If included, it is recognized that in a given country (or countries) there is a similar cultural phenomenon and its features. According to the Azerbaijani application, there are 60 types of “Yally” dance, which were practiced in Nakhchivan, including the Kochari dance.

In this context, the trend to politicize the UNESCO platform by Azerbaijan, which is reflected in the organization’s methods of work, is of concern. UNESCO, which was created to promote peace and security of peoples, to stimulate the cooperation of states through culture, becomes a platform where the problems deepen, and this should cause concern to all members and the UNESCO Director General.

Armenia has repeatedly voiced its position on the realities, including on the approaches of Azerbaijan during UNESCO events, including during the aforementioned meeting,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.