CHRISTIAN-MOSLEM CO-EXISTENCE CONSTITUES VITAL DIMENSION OF HISTORY OF
MIDDLE EAST, DECLARED CATHOLICOS ARAM I

ANTELIAS, LEBANON, December 8 (Noyan Tapan). “One cannot understand
fully and accurately the history of the Middle East, with its
upheavals and tensions, challenges and achievements, without the
Christian-Moslem co-existence which remains a vital dimension of the
history of this region,” His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of Great
House of Cilicia stated. “In fact, Christianity and Islam have made a
significant contribution to the history of the Middle East,
particularly in the areas of culture, science, civilization and
politics. The centuries old Christian Moslem co-existence has
developed mutual understanding and trust among the peoples of the
region. That is why I often remind our Western friends that
Christian-Moslem dialogue in the Middle East is not an intellectual
notion, but an existential reality and an integral part of the daily
life of the people. And, in view of the growing concern for
Christian-Moslem dialogue, I often remind our friends in the West that
Christian-Moslem dialogue in our part of the world is deeply rooted in
our common history. For centuries not only Christians and Moslems have
talked to each other, but they have lived together, worked together,
dreamed and struggled together and have sustained their life by common
moral and human values”, His Holiness said.

Referring to the latest bombings of the Armenian and Chaldean Churches
in Iraq, His Holiness Aram I said: “I cannot understand and accept
these bombings of churches in Iraq. How such a thing happens between
followers of two religions who have lived together for centuries as
one community and as good neighbors. I cannot understand such an
attitude towards Christians who have been inseparable part of the
Middle Eastern society and have played a major role in all aspects of
the society life. I consider these bombings serious attempts aimed at
endangering the Christian-Moslem co-existence, undermining the
importance of common values and aspirations which have sustained the
life of the Middle Eastern societies, and questioning the importance
of human rights and religious liberties. Such attempts also
underestimate the unity of the Arab world and the credibility of the
Arab cause. Therefore, I urge and appeal to the leaderships of
Christian and Moslem communities in Iraq to come together and to
re-affirm the Christian-Moslem co-existence as well as their national
unity,” concluded his remarks His Holiness Aram I.