PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: (374 10) 517 163
Fax: (374 10) 517 301
E-Mail: ktrij@etchmiadzin.am
August 23, 2005

His Holiness Karekin II Receives DNC Chairman Howard Dean

On Saturday, August 20, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and
Catholicos of All Armenians, received Howard Dean, Chairman of the
Democratic National Committee (United States) and former presidential
candidate. Mr. Dean was accompanied by Armenian Revolutionary
Federation-Dashnaktsutyun Bureau Member Vicken Hovsepian and other ARF
members.

His Holiness welcomed Mr. Dean and his delegation to the Mother See of Holy
Etchmiadzin and presented the guests with an overview of the mission of the
Armenian Church in the homeland and in the Diaspora. Reflecting on the
Armenian Church in America, His Holiness expressed his joy at the vibrant
Armenian community there and in the active role they play in the political,
economic and social life of the United States. The Pontiff of All Armenians
stated his contentment that the children of the Armenian nation, immigrants
and descendants of genocide survivors, are worthy and contributing citizens
of the United States.

Mr. Dean informed His Holiness of the purpose of his visit to Armenia, and
the two engaged in an active discussion regarding the challenges facing the
Republic of Armenia, including the eventual integration of Armenia into the
European Union, the illegal blockade of Armenia by Turkey, the importance of
universal recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide and the
desire of the Armenian people to see the Nagorno Karabagh conflict resolved
in a peaceful and just manner.

At the end of the meeting, His Holiness offered a prayer asking for God’s
blessings to descend upon the Republic of Armenia and the United States.