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: nian.htm

THE AMBASSADOR OF FRANCE VISITS CATHOLICOS ARAM I

Prior to the visit of the French Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bernard
Kouchner, His Holiness Aram I received the Ambassador of France André Paran
yesterday evening. The Catholicos and the Ambassador mainly discussed the
possibilities of bringing Lebanon out of its current stalemate and holding
presidential elections in normal circumstances.

The Pontiff explained his viewpoints to the French diplomat, stressing the
imperative of holding presidential elections, the importance for all sides
to agree on a common candidate, the formation of a national unity government
after the elections and the resumption of national dialogue with the
participation of all sides. He emphasized the need to develop a pan-Lebanese
strategy.

The Armenian Spiritual Leader also talked about the role of the Armenian
community. He underlined that the community is not and can not be in the
position of a passive observer or follower; it is rather an active
participant. He also observed that the Armenian community is not opposed to
any side and has not become identified with any side either. He added that
the community has always been in dialogue with all the sides through a
balanced approach and for the sake of the unity, integrity and sovereignty
of Lebanon.

The Ambassador informed His Holiness of the efforts carried out by France in
Lebanon and abroad pertaining to the presidential election, emphasizing the
importance of holding this election.

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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
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.