BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 25. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) considers the statement by the Patriarchate of Georgia regarding the Kurmukh temple unacceptable.
This was announced in a statement by the Azerbaijani MFA regarding the Kurmukh temple.
According to the MFA, the recent remarks by the Patriarchate of
Georgia regarding the Kurmukh temple, located in the territory of
Azerbaijan, is contrary to the spirit of friendship, partnership
and good-neighborly relations that exist between Azerbaijan and
Georgia.
”It is unacceptable to refer to geographical and historical
toponyms located in the territory of Azerbaijan by other names.
Azerbaijan has always respected the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of Georgia. At the same time, the Georgian side’s
demonstration of the same respect for the territorial integrity and
sovereignty of Azerbaijan constitutes an important foundation of
the strategic partnership relations established between the two
countries.
It is precisely in this regard that the approach of the
Patriarchate of Georgia, which entails territorial claims
concerning the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan,
is incomprehensible.
It is important that religious institutions refrain from approaches
that could undermine the historical bonds of friendship and
good-neighbourhood that have developed between the peoples of
Azerbaijan and Georgia over the centuries.
In this regard, repetition of the known approaches of the Armenian
Church or following its path is not recommended.
All historical, cultural and religious monuments located in the
territory of Azerbaijan constitute an integral part of the national
heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state,”
added the ministry.
