THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS NOT SUBJECT TO DISPUTE, CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS DECLARED IN ISTANBUL

ArmRadio.am
26.06.2006 18:05

"The Armenian Genocide is a reality of 90 years. For our people this
issue is not subject to discussion," the Catholicos of All Armenians
Garegin II said in a press conference in Istanbul.

The Catholicos emphasized that "such events should be condemned by
all peoples to save the humanity from the reoccurrence of these."

The Supreme Patriarch noted that the fact of the Armenian Genocide is
recognized by all countries, except Turkey, since, according to him,
there are numerous evidences of the massacre, Istanbul based "Marmara"
daily informs.

The visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians to Istanbul was
covered also by Turkish media. "Zaman" daily titled the article
about the Patriarch’s visit "The thrilling comments of the Armenian
Patriarch." "Radikal" used the following title – "Garegin II: The
reality of the Genocide." It deserves attention that the Turkish
media used the word "Patriarch" instead of "Catholicos."

Turkish papers note that the Catholicos expressed appreciation for air
communication between Armenia and Turkey. He remarked that Armenia is
willing to normalize its relations with Turkey. Garegin II mentioned
that despite the fact that Armeniansare spread all over the world,
they have their own state; therefore, according to him, the Republic
of Turkey should speak with Armenia as a state.

In response to the questions about the acts of protest organized
by Turkish nationalists, the Catholicos noted that it was his first
visit to Constantinople and these protests had no influence on his
impressions. He expressed the hope that no such protests will occur
during his second visit.