Anatolia News Agency, Turkey
Nov 30 2006

Turkey: Pope, Armenian patriarch discuss Armenian-Turkish dialogue

Istanbul, 30 November: "A peaceful dialogue between Turkish and
Armenian peoples is obligatory and our most important expectation,"
Patriarch of Turkish Armenians Mesrob II said.

During the religious ceremony conducted by Pope Benedict XVI at the
Sourp Asdvadzadzin (Virgin Mary) Church in Istanbul, Mesrob II noted,
"our Patriarchate was improved during the Ottoman period, and became
the most important catalyst for reviving the western Armenian culture
and literature."

After the ceremony, Pope Benedict XVI left the patriarchate.

Tight security forces were taken during the pontiff’s visit to the
Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) Museum, Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) and
Turkish Armenians Patriarchate.

Roads were closed to traffic, snipers took positions on the tops of
the buildings, and two helicopters flew over the area.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress