"ARMENIAN GENOCIDE IS NOT SUBJECT TO DISCUSSION," CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS STATES IN ISTANBUL

Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 27 2006

ISTANBUL, JUNE 27, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. "The Armenian
Genocide is a reality of 90 years. This issue is not subject to
discussion for our people," Karekin II Catholicos of All Armenians
stated at the press conference taken place in Istanbul.

Karekin II Catholicos emphasized that "similar events must be condemned
by all peoples for the mankind escapes their repetition."

According to the Istanbul "Marmara" daily, His Holiness mentioned
that all countries, except Turkey, accept the fact of the Armenian
Genocide, as, according to him, there are numerous facts proving the
reality of the Genocide.

Responding the question on the occasion of the last conferences on
the Armenian cause held in Turkey, His Holiness stated that if those
scientific conferences are held to arise the society’s awareness
about the truth, then it is very good, "but if they are organized
for political purposes, they may not serve their goal."

The Istanbul visit of the Catholicos of All Armenians was covered
by the Turkish press as well. The material relating to the press
conference of His Holiness is entitled in the "Zaman" daily like this:
"The Armenian Patriarch’s Exciting Commentary;" "Radical" used the
title "Karekin II – Genocide is Truth;" "Miliet" wrote "Patriarch:
Recognize the Genocide." It is interesting that the Turkish newspapers
used the word "Patriarch" instead of the word "Catholicos."

Turkish newspapers mention that the Armenian Patriarch expressed
satisfaction with the air flights being continued between Turkey
and Armenia. Catholicos of All Armenians mentioned that Armenia has a
great wish to settle its relations with Turkey. His Holiness Karekin II
reminded that Armenians, how much they are spread all over the world,
have their state, so, according to him, the Republic of Turkey must
speak with the state of Armenia.

Responding the question concerning demonstrations of complaint
organized by Turk nationalists on the first day of his visit, His
Holiness mentioned that he visits Constantinople for the first time,
and that those demonstrations had no influence on his impressions. He
expressed a hope that no similar demonstrations will be during the
next visit.