OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS IN ISTANBUL
Noyan Tapan
Armenians Today
Jun 29 2006
ETCHMIADZIN, JUNE 29, NOYAN TAPAN – ARMENIANS TODAY. NT was submitted
a transcript of the press conference by Catholicos of All Armenians
Karekin II to Turkish reporters at the Armenian Patriarchate of
Constantinople on June 25.
The transcript is presented below:
The moderator of the press conference was Ms. Luiz Bakar, spokesman for
the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople. His Beatitude Archbishop
Mesrob Mutafian, Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople introduced
His Holiness.
His Beatitude Mesrob Mutafian: Welcome, dear friends. His Holiness
has allocated one half hour from his itinerary for today to be with
you. He is here on a pontifical visit upon the joint invitation of
the Greek Patriarch and the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople. He
will be with us until June 27. Prior to his visit, a number of strange
news stories appeared in various media and news outlets, which caused
us amazement. The articles had stated that the Armenian community
and the Patriarchate were anxious with this visit; however there
was no such unease in the community. Up until this point, the visit
has been progressing as planned. The first two days of the visit,
the Catholicos was the guest of the Greek Patriarch, according to
their itinerary; thereafter we visited Armenian churches and the
sites and museums of Istanbul together. Since our time is limited,
I request that there be no repetitions of questions. You may now ask
any questions which you desire.
Question: Your Holiness, you are here as the guest of the Greek
Patriarch.
He is making efforts directed at bringing the two Churches closer. What
is your opinion on this and what will be the steps you implement?
His Holiness Karekin II: We are visiting Constantinople upon the
invitation of the Armenian Patriarch and the Greek Ecumenical
Patriarch. We have come on a pontifical visit to the Armenian
Patriarchate of Constantinople and a fraternal visit to the Ecumenical
Patriarchate. As part of our visit (with the Ecumenical Patriarch),
there were meetings between the clergy of our Churches, where we
discussed the theological and dogmatic issues about which there has
been ongoing dialogue for quite a long time; meetings have occurred
and will continue to take place. The purpose of our visit to the
Ecumenical Patriarch was the reinforcement and strengthening of the
brotherly ties between our sister Churches, as well as the continuation
of the existing collaboration between our Churches with a new spirit
and new warmth.
Question: During your meeting with the Governor of Istanbul, you stated
that you are pleased with the regular (airline) flights between Yerevan
and Istanbul, however similar steps must continue. What do mean by
"steps"?
His Holiness Karekin II: We expressed our satisfaction that
Yerevan-Istanbul flights occur regularly. As you are aware, our
country – the Republic of Armenia – is inclined to improve relations
with Turkey, and we are certain that as a result (of those improved
relations) we will find solutions. We shall be able to concurrently
search for and find solutions to the issues that exist in the
relationship between our two peoples, one example being the issue of
the Genocide, of which you are aware.
Question: As you just mentioned, the issue of the Genocide exists
between Turkey and Armenia. We, meaning the opinion of Turkish
society, are not limited by the Armenians of Armenia. We see three
groups of Armenians: Diaspora, Armenians of Turkey, and Armenia. What
are your thoughts? During these deliberations, whom must Turkey
consider? And the Armenians, whom do they consider – the Turkish
government or…? As you know, this issue is being discussed in
certain Turkish intellectual circles. In different universities,
specifically the University of Bilgi, this issue has been discussed
during different symposia where the Armenian Patriarch Mutafian was
also present. Taking the aforementioned into consideration, I want
to ask two questions: Who must represent the Turkish and Armenian
sides and what steps must be taken? And the second question, how do
you evaluate the atmosphere of democratic debate in Turkey?
His Holiness Karekin II: We are one people; dispersed throughout
the world.
However, we are a people that have statehood. And naturally, the
Republic of Turkey can discuss these issues and find solutions with
the Republic of Armenia. For 90 years, the issue of the Genocide has
been researched by the academics of the world, and manifold volumes
have been written. For our people, the Genocide is not a matter
for research – it is a reality of fact that happened, which must
be recognized. That (recognition) is naturally the desired option,
but a negative position can also be taken on this issue.
If academic conferences in Turkey are intended to present the actuality
of the Genocide to Turkish society, then it shall be possible to
welcome them. If they are politically motivated, to further the
position of denial, naturally that won’t have a positive influence
on resolving this issue. We are satisfied to see that in the life of
Turkish society, within democratization processes, people are speaking
and reflecting on the issue of the Genocide during the First World
War to a certain extent.
Question: During his meeting with the governor of Istanbul, the
Catholicos stated, "A certain amount of progress is noticeable in
Turkish society. If necessary steps are taken, everything can be
much better." These words were translated by (Armenian Patriarch)
Mutafian. What is lacking in the life of Turkish society and what
did you have in mind?
His Holiness Karekin II: During our conversation with the governor,
we have said that we are pleased, that in the life of ethnic
and religious minorities, as it relates to the Armenian Apostolic
Church and the Ecumenical Patriarchate, some concerns are receiving
their positive solutions. We can see that for many decades, it was
impossible to renovate the (headquarters of the) Patriarchate, and
today we see it restored. Permission has been granted, and churches
are being repaired. However, we noted that there are a certain number
of other concerns, the resolution of which would benefit the greater
strengthening of community life. For example, among these issues are
property rights and organizational matters for educational activities.
Question: The Catholicos stated that the two states must discuss
the issue of the Genocide. However in recent times, discussions were
held in Turkey when two Armenians of Turkey participated, among them
Hrant Dink. The law which was being debated in France, whereby the
deniers of the Genocide would be held criminally liable, was opposed
by nine Turkish intellectuals who sent a letter to France. They
asserted that expressing a viewpoint about the Genocide must not have
consequences. This is one example of the fact that Turkey and Armenia
are not alone in debating this issue, and that there are other states,
which make decisions in their parliaments about the Genocide. In this
regard, the issue assumed an international character. What is your
opinion? Is it correct for other states to be drawn into this matter?
His Holiness Karekin II: Genocide against any nation is not limited
to the life or borders of one people. Genocide does not recognize
ethnicity. Genocide envelopes all of mankind. And for that reason,
when similar actions are being committed in any corner of the world,
states and nations raise their voices in condemnation, to prevent
similar incidents in the life of mankind. Only in this manner will
it be possible to keep mankind free from similar tragedies.
Regarding the first part of the question, that should only Turkey
and Armenia be concerned with this issue, we wish to further clarify
that the Armenian people have statehood. But the issue concerns all
Armenians. Armenians dispersed throughout the world. Every single
individual Armenian. However the body that represents the rights of
the nation, and guarantees those rights, obviously, is the state.
Question: The Catholicos says that the issue of the Genocide
for Armenian society is not one that needs research, rather it is
reality. Does this position not obstruct the resolution of this issue,
perhaps, since the Turkish side continues to deny the Genocide? In
other words, is it not possible to study the Genocide?
His Holiness Karekin II: Obviously, if Turkey denies (the Genocide),
it is impossible to resolve this issue. If the facts are present,
then what’s the point in discussing the necessity to debate the
facts? There must be the will to record, confirm and accept the facts.
Question: What do you propose as a way of resolving this issue?
His Holiness Karekin II: We believe that as many states and
countries have done, Turkey also has the capability to conduct the
corresponding studies, and add its name to that list of many countries,
by recognizing the Armenian Genocide. Armenia has never held similar
deliberations with any of the other countries who have recognized
and condemned the Armenian Genocide. Because the facts exist, they
can be studied, and based upon those facts, a decision and position
can be made. This cannot be or be proposed to be an issue which
necessitates discussions.
Question: You say that to keep humanity free from the repetition of
similar sorrows, that they must be studied and accepted. But have
you ever made a statement regarding the events taking place in Iraq,
which is very close to both Turkey and Armenia? As you are aware, the
intervention of the United States of America is present there. What
do you think about this, and what are you doing about it?
His Holiness Karekin II: We as a Church, express our voice of
indignation on every occasion when a hand is raised against the
greatest treasure of God’s creation – human life.
Question: You visited the seminary on the Island of Halki. What are
you thoughts, since that seminary is not operating at present?
His Holiness Karekin II: I am pleased with the process of
democratization which is taking place today in the Republic of
Turkey. And I am certain that in time, all those issues will find
their positive solutions.
Question: Did you like Istanbul?
His Holiness Karekin II: We have not had the opportunity to see
Istanbul.
But in these past few days, we mentioned in our remarks that in
Istanbul, there are many valuable and beautiful buildings, churches,
etc. However, the most valuable, the most beautiful for me is our
people, our community, for whom we are conducting our Pontifical
Visit. Having this as our primary concern, naturally, we have allocated
all of our time for the strengthening of the spiritual life of our
people and to the work of reinforcing their faith.
Nevertheless, I am certain that another opportunity will be created,
and we shall be able to have the necessary amount of time to see the
sights of Istanbul. For example, yesterday, we were able to visit
the Dolmabahce palace museum and the Hagia Sophia, which greatly
impressed us.
Question: There is a report that you desired to pray when at the
Hagia Sophia, but were prohibited from doing so.
His Holiness Karekin II: We are not aware of any such occurrence.
Question: From the first day of your visit, there have been protest
demonstrations. What do you think about this?
His Holiness Karekin II: The protest demonstrations in no way affected
neither our mood nor our mission. We would prefer that there be no
place for similar demonstrations in the relationship between our
two peoples. We are destined to live side by side as neighbors, and
therefore it is necessary to cultivate, educate and nurture appropriate
relationships between neighboring peoples. I am convinced that in my
next trip, we won’t see similar demonstrations or expressions. And even
if there are protests such as these, we must understand that we still
have work to do, both of us together, to exclude similar occurrences.
Question: During the Eurovision competition, Turkey gave 10 points
to Armenia. How do you evaluate this fact?
His Holiness Karekin II: We see nothing negative in this.
Question: Is this perhaps a step forward on the part of Turkey?
His Holiness Karekin II: Of course, it is a step, which must be
positively assessed. God willing, that this positive course leads us
to the resolution of the fundamental issue.
Question: Although your visit was not "official" in nature, you were
received by the governor of Istanbul. An occurrence such has this has
not happened since 1961. What do you think about this? Do you asses
this as a positive step? Were there any other similar offers? If yes,
then for what reason did they not occur?
His Holiness Karekin II: We recognize our meeting with the governor
as a display of his appreciation for the Armenian community, and their
important contributions and service to the life of Turkish society. We
have not had nor do we have any objections to meeting with any state
official, whether the suggestion is made by our community or by
any other entity. There was the concept, at one time, to organize a
meeting with the religious leader of Turkey, but it became unfeasible
to bring it to fruition. The reasons being that the congestion of
our itinerary for this trip did not provide the opportunity.
We express our thanks for this meeting and for such an open
discussion. We wish you all the best.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
