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:
HIS HOLINESS ARAM I RECEIVES THE "SHADOW GOVERNMENT"
The "Shadow Government" of Lebanese university students and university
graduates visited His Holiness Aram I in Antelias on March 31.
The group bearing this symbolic name was envisaged by former Member of
Parliament, the martyr Jebran Tueini and formed after his assassination. The
group driven by their high sense of responsibility as Lebanese citizens,
have decided to contribute to the difficult task of ending the conflict in
Lebanon.
The role of the "Shadow Government" is to meet with the leaders of all the
Lebanese communities and the country’s political leaders, inviting them to
carry out their jobs in running the country responsibly.
The Armenian Pontiff highly praised this initiative by the Lebanese youth.
Speaking about the situation in Lebanon, His Holiness said: "The prevailing
duality in Lebanon is unacceptable and harmful for the country. This
situation can not go on, however, the people are unfortunately not
demonstrating the necessary awareness. It is therefore, the role of the
youth to call on political leaders to assume their responsibility."
His Holiness highlighted the important role of Lebanon, particularly in
the Middle East and stressed the importance of preserving its unity and
uniqueness. "Lebanon is a country based on values and principles. Foreign
forces are disturbing Lebanon’s internal stability and unity. Cooperation
with others does not mean subjugation, does not mean loyalty," he said.
The Armenian Catholicos then called on the Lebanese people to think
independently and said: "Lebanon should hold on strong to its independence
and unity. Differences in viewpoints should not divide the Lebanese or
position them against each other. The concepts of majority and minority in
Lebanon should not be abused and transformed into a dividing factor. We
should find means of expressing, in tangible ways, the internal unity of the
Lebanese people."
##
View the photo here:
*****
The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
the 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.