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 MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
DR. PIERRE DAKKASH

His Holiness Aram I received Lebanese Member of Parliament Dr. Pierre
Dakkash in Antelias on April 23. This visit was particularly important
in the as it carried a request with it. MP Dakkash asked the Armenian
Catholicos to invite a meeting of the Christian and Muslim spiritual
leaders of Lebanon with the aim of bringing the country out of its
current deadlock.

Dakkash pointed out during the meeting that he has always praised the
Armenian community, who throughout peace and conflict, continued to
play a constructive role. Referring to the increasing confrontation
in political circles, Dr. Dakkash emphasized co-habitation and
mutual understanding. The "other" will always remain the "other",
but cooperation between communities and mutual respect can provide
a solution to many difficulties, he said.

The Pontiff shared Dr. Dakkash’s concerns, underlining that the "other"
will always pursue its own interests and agenda, while Lebanon has its
interests and goals. "Lebanon should never become a means expressing
the interests of others. Lebanon is a large family where different
families live together. We should strengthen this family by remaining
loyal to its principles," he said.

His Holiness strongly criticized "the culture of political
confrontation" in Lebanon expressed mainly through the media. He called
for an end to "poisonous language" and for the use of "peace-making
language" that inspires mutual respect and understanding. He again
stressed the importance of dialogue, considering it the key to settling
many issues.

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