Statement by Hovik Avanesov, Ombudsman for the Cultural Heritage of Artsakh
The Building of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh in Armenia Must Retain Its Status
The building of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh in Armenia is not simply another administrative facility or piece of real estate. It is a structure of profound symbolic and historical-political significance, closely associated with the statehood of the Republic of Artsakh and the preservation of the rights and identity of the Armenians of Artsakh.
Given its particular significance, under no circumstances should the status of the building of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh in Armenia be changed, abolished, or redefined in a manner that could diminish or eliminate its historical and political significance as the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh.
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The forced displacement of the Armenians of Artsakh and the political realities that have emerged cannot serve as grounds for the gradual elimination of the symbolic and historical values associated with the statehood of Artsakh and its institutions. On the contrary, under these circumstances, it is even more important to preserve those structures and institutions that represent the continuity of the identity, history, and rights of the people of Artsakh.
It would be particularly unacceptable for any decision to result in the Representation building being converted into an ordinary administrative, commercial, or other type of facility. Such a change would not merely constitute a property-related or administrative decision; it would also have clear political and symbolic implications concerning the preservation of the institutional memory of the Republic of Artsakh.
The preservation of the cultural heritage of Artsakh is not limited to the physical protection of churches, monasteries, monuments, or historic buildings. An integral part of cultural heritage also consists of places and structures connected with the history of a people’s statehood, public life, and national identity.
In this context, the building of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh in Armenia should be regarded as an important component of the historical and state heritage of Artsakh, whose significance must be preserved for future generations.
Therefore, I call upon the state authorities of the Republic of Armenia, as well as all concerned civil society and political stakeholders, to:
Refrain from taking or initiating any action that could alter, diminish, or eliminate the current status and significance of the building of the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh in Armenia.
Regardless of political developments, the status of this building must be preserved. Under no circumstances should it be converted into a facility serving another purpose or stripped of its historical and symbolic connection to the Permanent Representation of the Republic of Artsakh.
The preservation of the state and cultural heritage of Artsakh is not only a responsibility toward the past; it is also the protection of future generations’ right to preserve their historical memory, identity, and heritage connected to statehood.
