By Kostas Onisenko
The issue of Hagia Sophia was mentioned today, during a press conference, by the spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova. In particular, Zakharova stated, “Recognizing the autonomous right of the Turkish authorities in relation to this church, we would like to once again draw attention to the fact that the management of UNESCO World Heritage Sites means, first of all, specific responsibility for the security of a monument of Eurasian culture.”
“At this point, we attach particular importance to the mission of the experts of the UNESCO World Heritage Center and the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) to assess the preservation status of the church. We expect that the findings and conclusions of the mission, which is expected to visit Constantinople in October this year, will be presented immediately and will allow to objectively assess the condition of the church and many mosaics, frescoes in it,” said the spokesperson of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
