UNESCO Director General Koichiro Matsuura says it is important to preserve cultural sites in Daqliq Qarabaq. Mr. Matsuura noted that Daqliq Qarabaq is a political issue and since no agreement has been reached to date UNESCO is unable to take any action to preserve historical sitse in the occupied territories. He said, however, that UNESCO plans to send its fact-investigating mission to the region, but he didn’t indicate the time of arrival of the mission.

“UNESCO is not dealing with political issues. It is UN`s responsibility. That’s why Daqliq Qarabaq problem or territorial integrity of Azerbaijan should be viewed not at UNESCO, but at UN. But you are right, however, that UNESCO bears a responsibility for protecting cultural heritage and it should secure the preservation of cultural sites in the occupied territories. We have had contacts with both sides on that. The negotiations over the conflict are being held between two countries. It is a pity; however, that no results have been attained. Consequently, it is not easy to protect and monitor the cultural sites in those territories. We are aware of the problem, but we can not work without any agreement reached between the sides.”-added Mr. Matsuura.

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