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
Website:
June 27, 2006

His Holiness Karekin II in Istanbul: Genocide is Not a Matter for Debate

On Sunday, June 25, following a Pontifical Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral
of St. Astvatsatsin of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, His
Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians,
participated in a press conference organized on the occasion of his visit to
Istanbul.

Present for the press conference were both Armenian and Turkish
journalists. During the conference, a number of questions were asked
regarding the pontifical and inter-church visit of His Holiness.

In response to a question by a Turkish journalist regarding the Genocide of
the Armenians, the Catholicos of All Armenians stated, `The Armenian
Genocide is a reality that happened and can never be an item for debate’.
Regarding a follow-up question about how relations between the Armenian and
Turkish peoples could be improved, the Pontiff of All Armenians stressed the
necessity for the Republic of Turkey to come to terms with its past and
recognize the Armenian Genocide.

Responding to another question regarding the convening of conferences about
the events that occurred in the final days of the Ottoman Empire during the
First World War, His Holiness noted, `It shall be possible to welcome
similar initiatives if they are intended to present the actuality of the
Genocide to Turkish society’.

During the press conference, His Holiness Karekin II also reflected on his
impressions of his visit to Istanbul, and highly appreciated the warm and
brotherly spirit of Ecumenical Patriarch His All Holiness Bartholomew I, as
well as expressed his contentment with the Armenian Patriarchate of
Constantinople and the faithful Armenian sons and daughters who live and
work under her spiritual authority.