Expert: “If the mine is exploited the monuments situated in Teghut will be endangered.”

Today the historian, head of the archaeological group to Teghut of Armenian NAS Suren Hobosyan and member of the “Trchkan” civilian initiative, ecologist-activist Apres Zohrabyan met journalists at “Armat” press-club and spoke about the Teghut protection issue which is much spoken and discussed by the society recently.

S. Hobosyan noted that there are historical monuments in Teghut territory and they will be endangered if the mine is exploited. And besides these lands are the most plentiful lands of Armenia.

“I am unable to say the exact number of the monuments as the monument do not have the outer signs but they are discovered during the researches and as results of the conversations with the residents”, the expert said. According to S. Hobosyan, 9 parts of the whole 12 have been examined during the last three years. “Medieval factory have been found at the Duckanadzor’s territory, which is just the mine territory. 40 medieval cemeteries have been found from this territory. Settlements of the Bronze Age have been found here”, the speaker announced and added that if the mine is exploited the Kharatanots settlement will be demolished. “I do not know which decision will be made about Kharatanots. If it is transferred to another place it will not sound like now. It must remain in its place,” the speaker considers.

He also informed that the monuments of this territory are included as the protected historical monuments. Despite of it the medieval church is intended to be transferred to the Shnogh river beach. There is also a wall which is impossible to move but it is also a historical value. “Which monuments are impossible to move will remain and be demolished”, S. Hobosyan underlined. He also underlined that the issue must be raised again to protect the monuments.

Another speaker of the press-conference, ecologist Apres Zohrabyan noted in his turn that some measures will be held to save Teghut. “Armenian Ministry of Culture has responsibility to protect Armenian historical monuments. And it has forgotten about it we will remind”, Zohrabyan underlined.