PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 1) 517 163
Fax: (374 1) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
August 31, 2004

His Holiness Karekin II Receives Foreign Minister of Denmark

On August 27, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos
Of All Armenians, received Per Stig Moeller, Foreign Minister of the
Kingdom of Denmark, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Mr. Moeller
Was accompanied by Vladimir Karmirshalian, Ambassador of the Republic
Of Armenia to Denmark.

Welcoming Mr. Moeller to the spiritual and administrative headquarters
Of the Armenian Church, His Holiness reflected on the mission of
The Church as well as the close historic ties which exist between
The two countries and peoples. His Holiness also spoke of the
Positive relations that have been established in recent years in the
Ecclesiastical sphere between the Churches of Denmark and Armenia.

During the meeting, the Catholicos and the Foreign Minister
Also discussed the Nagorno Karabagh issue, and the desire of all
Parties to see it resolved through peaceful means. His Holiness
Informed Mr. Moeller that he has met a number of times with the
Spiritual head of Azerbaijan, and confirmed that religious leaders
Have a very important role in the resolution of the conflict, by
Publicly advocating that disagreements must be solved through mutual
Understanding and reciprocal dialogue.

Finally, the Pontiff of All Armenians touched upon the concerns
Of Armenians living in Denmark, and their desire to become active,
Contributing members of Danish society.

At the conclusion of the meeting, His Holiness extended his gratitude
To the state authorities of the Kingdom of Denmark and to the Danish
People, for the assistance and help they have provided to Armenians,
Most notably following the Armenian Genocide of 1915-1923 and the
Devastating earthquake in Northern Armenia of 1988.

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