PATRIARCH RECEIVES ARGENTINE AMBASSADOR
ISTANBUL (Lraper Bulletin – 11/02/2005) – His Beatitude Mesrob II,
Armenian Patriarch of Istanbul and All Turkey, received on 10 February
2005, Thursday afternoon, His Excellency Sebastian L. Brugo Marco,
Ambassador of Argentina in Ankara.
During the cordial meeting, which lasted about an hour, the Patriarch
and the Ambassador exchanged information about the Armenian communities
in Turkey and Argentina. Ambassador Marco related that there are quite
a number of prominent Armenians in the higher echelons of public life,
including the army, commercial and cultural life in Argentina. He also
noted that he had served in Turkey thirty years ago as a diplomat and
had made a personal acquaintance with Patriarch Shnorhk of blessed
memory (1961-1991), who had later visited the Armenian community in
Argentina. The Ambassador then concerned himself about the Armenian
community and its problems today, and what the Patriarchal See thought
about the accession of Turkey into the European Union and also the
the tragic events ninety years ago.
Patriarch Mesrob replied that compared to the Armenian community of
thirty years ago, today’s community numbers less, that is to say,
from about 60,000 to 70,000 souls, who are more assimilated into
Turkish society. About one-third of the community speaks Armenian
today, and only about one of every thirty people reads a local
Armenian paper. For the community to preserve its heritage, faith
and culture, it is of vital importance that facilities are created
for the training of priests for the churches, and teachers of Armenian
language and religious education for the Armenian minority schools. The
foundations that belong to the community should also enjoy equal
opportunity with the Muslim and secular foundations in order for the
churches, schools, the Armenian hospital, the associations and other
community organisations to be provided with the necessary financial
assistance. For all of this to be realised, the Patriarch said that
it is necessary that the laws, regulations and directoria governing
the life of the minorities in Turkey be upgraded. “This is one of
the reasons why the Patriarchal See considers it important that
Turkey becomes an EU member” Patriarch Mesrob said. “No one with a
conscience can deny what occurred ninety years ago,” continued the
Patriarch, “However, Turks and Armenians must find a way to reconcile
and to live side by side peacefully as neighbours. There is no other
alternative. To block the future of young people on both sides would
be another historic mistake!” he concluded.
Thanking the Patriarch for the open exchange of views, the Ambassador
signed the book of honour and took leave of the Patriarch, with hopes
of meeting again in the near future.
Argentine Foreign Minister His Excellency Rafael Bielsa is expected
to pay an official visit to Turkey at the end of March 2005.