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:
&quo t;A LEBANON OF CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM COEXISTENCE IS A GREAT ASSET
FOR THE WHOLE OF THE MIDDLE EAST"
SAID HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
In a context of an interview with the representatives of French TV channels
and newspapers, His Holiness said: "It is not possible to impose political
solution through military means. It is a plain fact that there is a problem
between Israel and Lebanon. This problem must be seriously addressed by both
states on the basis of security, justice and peace for all. Therefore, a
ceasefire is a conditio sine qua non to embark on political negotiation".
Referring to the declaration made by Christian and Muslim spiritual leaders
Catholicos Aram I said: "The internal unity of Lebanon is solid. More than
ever all the communities and political parties are united. As religious
leaders, we gave our full support to the project of the government aiming at
a comprehensive settlement of the conflict". His Holiness once again
criticized the failure of the international community to stop the violence:
"The repercussion of the ongoing violence is terrible in terms of loss of
human lives and destruction of infrastructures of Lebanon. Violence
generates more violence. What is needed now is the creation of an atmosphere
of mutual understanding. I believe that religion must play an instrumental
role in promoting mutual respect and tolerance".
His Holiness emphasized the unique importance of Lebanon as a "country of
coexistence, tolerance and mutual trust. Such a Lebanon is a great asset for
the whole region. We must support Lebanon to recover itself from this
tragedy", said Aram I.
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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 history and
mission 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.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress