PRESS RELEASE
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
Fax: (04) 419724
E- mail: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE
OF LEBANON’S INTERNAL UNITY, INDEPENDENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY
His Holiness Aram I has been in Geneva for almost a week, chairing the
meetings of the Central and Executive Committees of the World Council of
Churches. Meanwhile, the Catholicos has been closely following the latest
developments occurring in Lebanon.
When addressing the meeting, His Holiness asked the participants to observe
a moment of silence in memory of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik
Hariri, condemned the heinous crime and emphasized the imperative of
preserving Lebanon’s internal unity.
Aram I spoke during a press conference held later about the current
situation of Lebanon and strongly condemned the assassination of the former
Prime Minister, considering it an act targeting the whole country.
His Holiness considered the assassination “an attempt to disrupt Lebanon’s
internal unity, create political and confessional sensitivities, weaken
Lebanon’s independence and sovereignty and tarnish its dignity.” He
emphasized that now more than ever the Lebanese people need to strengthen
their internal unity and dignity.
“All the communities of Lebanon and their leaders should stick to the basic
values, principles and ideals that form Lebanon’s unique identity and
strengthen its independence and sovereignty,” His Holiness said.
The Catholicos emphasized that in light of the created situation the
Lebanese should rely on dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for each
other. He assured that dialogue is the only means of strengthening Lebanon’s
internal unity.
His Holiness Aram I stressed that the Lebanese should protect their country’
s interests and preserve a good relationship based on mutual trust with
their neighbor Syria, as a guarantee to the country’s independence and
sovereignty.
Speaking about Lebanon’s Armenian community His Holiness said: “As a
constituent member of the Lebanese society, the Armenian community also has
been deeply shaken by the assassination and is concerned about the current
situation. The Armenian community of Lebanon emphasizes the importance of
the full application of the Taef Accord and calls on all parties to
determine the road to Lebanon’s restoration through constructive dialogue.
The Armenians of Lebanon with their community and political leaders are
ready to actively and fully participate in all the efforts that lead to the
strengthening of the country’s internal unity, independence and
sovereignty.”
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The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
the Catholicosate, The Cilician Catholicosate, the
administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.