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: cathcil@cathcil.org
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES
THE CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM DIALOGUE COMMITTEE
His Holiness Aram I received the Christian-Muslim dialogue committee
in Antelias on March 9. The committee includes representatives of
Lebanon’s seven main Muslim and Christian communities, including a
representative of the Armenian community, Dr. Jean Salmanian.
The committee visited His Holiness after its meeting with Patriarch
Sfeir in Bekerke. The committee members and His Holiness discussed the
current situation of Lebanon with all its aspects. The committee also
informed His Holiness of the results of its meeting with Patriarch
Sfeir. The members then wanted to know His Holiness’ views on the
problems Lebanon faces currently and the ongoing political dialogue.
His Holiness first welcomed the ongoing dialogue in the parliament as a
positive phenomenon. He emphasized that all issues should be discussed
in full with realistic approaches and by stages. His Holiness pointed
out that it’s not possible to examine all issues with the same tune
and find immediate and final solutions. He said it’s important to
set the priorities of these issues and approach them based on the
collective commitment of keeping Lebanon’s internal unity, sovereignty
and independence strong.
The Pontiff pointed out that there are issues which are complex,
sensitive and related to regional and international developments. He
advised adopting more realistic and calm approaches towards these
issues. His Holiness concluded saying that the Lebanese have attached
great hopes and expectations to this dialogue venture and therefore
they should not be disappointed. He stressed that the preservation
of Lebanon’s unity and full independence should become a persistent
principle for all of us.
His Holiness highlighted the role of the Armenian community in this
context. He expressed his content that the political leadership
of the Armenian community is actively participating in the dialogue
through its three political parties.
The two sides then exchanged views. His Holiness praised the work of
the dialogue committee and advised its members to continue their work
while keeping in touch with all the sides.
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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
Ecumenical activities 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.