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: [email protected]
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon
Armenian version:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE REPRESENTATIVE
OF THE CYPRIOT FOREIGN MINISTER
His Holiness Aram I received Dr. Kouros, the head of the Department for
European and Middle Eastern Affairs at the Cypriot Foreign Ministry, and Ms.
Erato Kozakou-Marcoulli, the new Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon, in Bikfaya
on October 9.
The hour-long meeting focused on the political situation in the Middle East
as viewed from a European perspective and the Catholicos shed light on his
viewpoints regarding this topic.
The coexistence and cooperation of the various Lebanese communities also
featured high on the agenda. As always, His Holiness was very firm in
insisting on the need to strengthen inter-communal relations and
consequently, the internal unity in the country.
On the role of the Armenian community in Lebanon, His Holiness stated that
as one of the seven main communities of the country, the Armenians have and
continue to carry out their obligations towards Lebanon, at the same times
safeguarding all their rights.
In the context of regional politics, The Armenian spiritual leader informed
Ms. Kozakou of the Catholicosate of Cilicia’s decades’ long efforts in
support of the just Palestinian cause.
Turning to the Armenian community and Prelacy of Cyprus, His Holiness spoke
in detail about their positive contribution to the progress and development
of the Island. He added that on several occasions he has raised awareness
about the just cause of the Cypriot nation from international platforms,
inviting world attention to the efforts to solve the conflict.
Ms. Kozakou highly praised the constructive role of the Armenian communities
in their countries of residence throughout the Diaspora, considering the
Cypriot Armenian community to be one of the countries important communities.
The Cypriot official also agreed on the Pontiff’s views on the Middle East
and international politics in general, reaffirming that Cyprus has always
supported the peace process and highlights the importance of cooperation
between various communities.
Another important topic on the agenda was Turkey’s European Union bid.
Pointing out that Europe is established on values and human rights, His
Holiness added that these characteristics should not be blemished by the
entry of Turkey into the union.
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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: Baghdasarian