pRESs Release
Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Contact: V.Rev.Father 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:

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHRISTIAN
LEAGUES OF LEBANON

His Holiness Aram I received a senior delegation from the Christian Leagues
of Lebanon in Antelias on February 1. The ten representatives, among which
the representative of the Armenian Orthodox community, Dr. Jean Salmanian,
wanted to discuss with the Pontiff the results of their meetings with senior
Lebanese officials in the last few weeks and enquire His Holiness’ views on
the situation in the country.

The Catholicos expressed his pain and resentment of the uncertain political
situation in the country. "If the politicians are not the primary reasons
behind the creation of this situation, they are the reasons for its
continuation. There’s a political conflict in the country. Instead of
government ignoring this fact and going on with its usual business, and the
opposition taking to the streets, the two should talk to one another and
find acceptable solutions," said His Holiness.

Referring to his recent statements about the conflict, the Pontiff said:
"Our viewpoint remains the same: we respect the other, but for us Lebanon is
above all else. It is with this principle and perspective that we should
work. It’s the people who are suffering. We don’t have the right to inflict
this situation upon them. The country won’t be rescued by thrashing one
another through the media. The path to Lebanon’s salvation is internal unity
and internal unity can be strengthened through mutual trust and
understanding."

His Holiness asked the representatives from the Christian League to pass
these viewpoints on to the political and communal leaders.

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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.