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:
CATHOLICOS ARAM I CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL UNITY
On the occasion of Palm Sunday, His Holiness Aram I gave a special
speech to the believers gathered in the St. Gregory the Illuminator
Cathedral in Antelias on Sunday, March 20. During his speech he spoke
about the current political situation of Lebanon and focused on the
role expected from the Armenian Community.
His Holiness said that Lebanon is currently facing difficult times,
pointing out that after the assassination of former Prime Minister
Rafik Hariri, popular protests and statements by politicians have
left the people worried and confused.
“Lately, some people started to ask about where the Armenian Community
of Lebanon stands in this situation,” His Holiness said, adding:
“We are with Lebanon in the full and the true understanding of the
word. The Lebanese-Armenian Community is not indifferent or neutral
towards the events unfolding in Lebanon. It has a clear view and a
position that is based on its deep loyalty and strong attachment to
Lebanon and true love for it.”
The Pontiff assured that as a community comprising the vast Lebanese
society, the Armenians are with “Lebanon’s unity, integrity,
sovereignty and independence.” “We truly believe that Lebanon’s only
road to salvation is the unity of its people. Our community acted on
and defended this principle for thirty years.”
The Catholicos added that Armenians also support the harmonious
cohabitation of the Christian and Muslim communities. “Throughout
Lebanon’s most difficult times the Armenians of Lebanon tried to
become a bridge between all sides for the sake of preserving the
cohabitation of the Lebanese society. Now as well, this is the role
of our community,” he said.
His Holiness emphasized that the Armenian community is with the
preservation of liberties and justice. Pointing out that Lebanon is
a democratic country and a country of freedom, Aram I highlighted
the importance of protecting these principles. He also said that
the truth should be revealed about the assassination of former Prime
Minister Rafik Hariri and an investigation must be conducted by the
United Nations.
“We are with the full and exact implementation of the Taef
Accord. Let’s not forget that the Arab World and the international
community support the accord, which was signed with the participation
of representatives from all the communities of Lebanon,” said
His Holiness, emphasizing the imperative of the quick and full
implementation of the Taef Accord.
Aram I assured that the Armenians support the establishment of
good neighborly relations between Lebanon and Syria, based on the
principle of mutual recognition of each country’s independence,
integrity and sovereignty.
His Holiness reminded that the Armenians of Lebanon have with the
national consensus concerning the Hezbollah; and he praised the
initiative of the Lebanese people to unite under the Lebanese flag with
the same expectations, principles and the same vision for Lebanon’s
future. Aram I also said that the time has come for the issues raised
by the people to be discusses around the table of dialogue.
“The Armenians of Lebanon are ready to actively participate in all the
initiatives that spring from the approaches and principles we already
stated. We are continuously consulting with the different parties in
order to bring the country out of its current stalemate,” He said. He
praised the patriotic approach of the leaders of the Armenian Community
and advised them to continue their full participation in strengthening
Lebanon’s internal unity, sovereignty and integrity.
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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.