We restore all historical monuments, including mosques, says Nagorno-Karabakh official

People in Armenia and Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) always feel committed to preserve and restore historical monuments regardless of their ethnic or religious background, the spokesperson of the Nagorno-Karabakh president said today, commenting on a statement by the Caucasus Muslim leader.
“We are renovating an architectural monument, which has absolutely nothing to do with provocation or anything of the kind. We are not like them [the Azerbaijanis] to vandalize Armenian khachkars (cross-stones) in Jugha,” Davit Babayan told Tert.am.

In his recent statement, Haji Allahshükür Hummat Pashazade, Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus, cited provocative intentions behind the Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians’ move to undertake the renovation a historical monument in Shushi.

He also unveiled plans for organizing a meeting of the Armenian, Russian and Azerbaijani religious leaders. Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II later confirmed the report.
Babayan said he would hail the event “if it is going to really contribute to peace”. “But in case [the Azerbaijani religious leader] unfolds demands for the return of 20% of regions, it will just be yet another meeting,” he added.
Admitting that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has no religious background, Babayan said he nonetheless believes that it may influence public sentiments, dispelling the existing tension and Armenophobia in Azerbaijan.

“Our society is not guiding itself by fascist and Nazi approaches. The very idea to renovate the mosque bears witness to a tolerant atmosphere here,” he added.