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
October 13, 2004

His Holiness Karekin II Receives President Mohammad Khatami of the Islamic
Republic of Iran

On the afternoon of September 9, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch
and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Mr. Mohammad Khatami, President of
the Islamic Republic of Iran and his delegation of high-ranking dignitaries.

President Khatami thanked His Holiness for the reception, and spoke of the
strong relationship between the two countries and the further reinforcement
of those bonds. “My visit to this holy place has genuinely increased the
depth of significance to my visit to Armenia”, noted the President of Iran.

His Holiness welcomed President Khatami, and referred to the mission of the
Mother See in the life of the Armenian people: “Holy Etchmiadzin is the
very soul of the Armenian individual. It is the beating heart of the
Armenian body. The sons and daughters of our nation dispersed throughout
the world, when making the sign of the cross, have always directed their
gaze toward their spiritual home, toward Holy Etchmiadzin”.

The Pontiff of All Armenians expressed appreciation for the careful attitude
of the Iranian authorities towards the Armenian community of Iran. His
Holiness further noted his joy in the continued development and progress of
relations between Armenia and Iran, and stated his hope that the ties be
fostered and strengthened for the welfare of both countries.

During the course of the meeting, both leaders placed great importance on
the role and mission of spiritual leaders in the peaceful solution of
regional conflicts and issues.

Also in attendance during the meeting were His Grace Bishop Sion Adamian,
Primate of the Diocese of Armavir; Very Rev. Fr. Anushavan Jamkotchian; G.
Gharibjanian, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to the Islamic Republic
of Iran, and A. Hadidian, Ambassador of Iran to Armenia.

##