Azerbaijan defends Khankandi demolitions as illegal occupation structures
Updated
Updated · commonspace.eu · Apr 27
Azerbaijan defends Khankandi demolitions as illegal occupation structures
8 articles · Updated · commonspace.eu · Apr 27
In an op-ed, adviser Vasif Huseynov said churches including Surb Hakob, built in 2007, were recent occupation-era constructions lacking lawful heritage status.
He argued international law and four UN Security Council resolutions mean no preservation rights can arise from buildings erected without Azerbaijan's consent during Armenian occupation.
The defence follows reports that Khankandi's cathedral and St Jacob church were demolished, amid wider disputes over heritage after the 2023 exodus of about 100,000 Armenians.
Is destroying 'illegal' churches a lawful act of state-building or a war crime of cultural genocide?
Can international law stop a UNESCO committee member from erasing the cultural heritage it is meant to protect?