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
April 27, 2005

His Holiness Karekin II Receives Newly Appointed Syrian Charge d’Affaires

On April 27, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
All Armenians, received Dr. Mulkhis Faraoun, newly appointed Charge d’
Affaires of the Syrian Arab Republic to the Republic of Armenia.

His Holiness welcomed Dr. Faraoun to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin and
wished him success and productive service in his new position. The
Catholicos of All Armenians recalled his visit to Syria, notably Aleppo and
Der-Zor in April of 2001, and spoke of the fond memories of his pilgrimage
to the Armenian Genocide memorial in the Syrian desert, the warmth and love
of the Armenians of Syria, and the hospitality of the pious and God-fearing
Arab people.

The Charge d’Affaires thanked His Holiness for the audience and noted that
he was looking forward to serving in a country that has fraternal ties to
his own, with such a long history and rich culture. Dr. Faraoun also spoke
of the Armenian community in Syria, one of the oldest Armenian settlements
dating back to Apostolic times.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness offered his prayers for the
establishment of peace and stability in the region, benefiting not only the
national life of the citizens of those countries, but also the inter-faith
relations between the Christian and Muslim peoples of the world.