Statement

14 September 2026
Statement by Peace Bridge Initiative Armenia

The members of the Peace Bridge Initiative Armenia express their concern over recent developments related to the presentation of Armenian cultural heritage during the visit of diplomats to the Gandzasar medieval monastic complex and its adjacent museum.
At a time when significant progress has already been made in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process, and when both societies are expected to continue moving, after decades of conflict, towards a new culture of relations, public statements and actions matter. Recent developments deepen mistrust and create additional space for those who argue that dialogue is meaningless and that efforts to achieve peace are futile. Building peace requires difficult and honest conversations, attention to each other’s concerns, and a conscious effort to avoid actions that may reopen wounds or reinforce hostility.
We therefore call on all actors involved in the peace process to act with the responsibility required at this moment and to refrain from statements and actions that may be perceived as unconstructive.

Areg Kochinyan
Naira Sultanyan
Boris Navarsardyan
Narek Minasyan
Samvel Meliksetyan