UNESCO does not recognize Russian ownership of the Chersonesus museum-reserve in the southwest of the Crimean Peninsula, Russia's representative to UNESCO Eleonora Mitrofanova told the Interfax news agency Thursday.
The organization's decision is based on a vote held among the members of the United Nations, according to Mitrofanova. "Crimea has not been recognized as Russian territory in international legal terms yet," she said, Interfax reported.
However, Mitrofanova noted that the museum had received funding and conducted restoration work after being placed under Russian jurisdiction.
Kiev claims that "this object of cultural heritage belongs to Ukraine, and Russian laws are powerless there, but that is not correct," Mitrofanova added.
The Chersonesus museum-reserve consists of the remains of an ancient settlement, unique rural areas of the city and two medieval fortresses. The museum was included in UNESCO's world heritage list in 2013.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
