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:

THE CATHOLICOSATE OF CILICIA PARTICIPATES IN THE CONFERENCE ON
"ISLAMIC WORLD, A VICTIM OF TERRORISM"

The first international conference on the "culture of resistance" was
recently held under the name of "Islamic World, a Victim of Terrorism" in
Tehran. The conference was organized by World Forum for Proximity of Islamic
Schools of Thought and presided by Ayatollah Mohammad-Ali Taskhiri. The
conference, held on May 1 at the International Center of Conferences of
Islamic Countries, included a speech by the President of the Islamic
Republic of Iran, Dr. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

An invitation to attend the conference was also sent to His Holiness Aram
I, who delegated Archbishop Sebouh Sarkissian, Primate of the Diocese of
Tehran, to participate in the event on behalf of both the Catholicosate of
Cilicia and the Diocese. Speaking in Arabic, Archbishop Sebouh greeted the
President of the Republic and the conference attendants on behalf of His
Holiness Aram I. He then delivered a lecture in English on "Terrorism and
Christianity."

The Archbishop highlighted that the whole world has become a victim of
terrorism and highlighted the role of religions in producing a culture of
peace and coexistence through joint efforts and dialogue.

"Degrading any religion or a religious belief is terrorism. Crimes are
committed in the name of religion and human rights but in reality they have
nothing to do with religion, because religion seeks to guide people towards
happiness, love, peace and mutual respect," he said.

The conference attendants included lecturers and officials from several
Arab, African and European countries, as well the United States, Canada and
Australia.