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

"LEBANON IS THE ETERNAL HOMELAND OF ALL COMMUNITIES"

SAYS HIS HOLINESS ARAM I
IN BRUSSELS

Brussels – Speaking during the luncheon hosted in honor of His Holiness Aram
I by the charge d’affaires of Lebanon to Brussels Henry Kastoun, His
Holiness said: "Lebanon is the eternal homeland of all the Christian and
Muslim communities forming it. We should adhere to Lebanon with this
realization and work together with this commitment to find such solutions
that would put Lebanon back on its feet."

The Catholicos pointed out that Lebanon confronts several serious
challenges. "The principals which form the basis and identity of Lebanon, in
other words its unity, the coexistence of its communities, its sovereignty
and independence should bring us together. We talk a lot about others; the
interference of others and the difficulties they pose. However, we should
also talk about us. In what way do we express our unity, our collective
will, and our collective responsibility? Others look at Lebanon from their
own interests. However, we should look to Lebanon on the basis of our
principal national interests. For others, Lebanon is a country where they
can pursue their own interests. For us, the Lebanese, Lebanon is the
homeland of all of us. Lebanon is above everything: this should be the
principle of the life and work of each Lebanese," he said.

Concerning the upcoming presidential elections, the Catholicos stressed the
importance of electing a new president within the timeframe provided for in
the Constitution. He said: "The president of Lebanon should stay away from
all sides and partite agendas and should work for the supreme principals of
Lebanon. The new president should be elected by the Lebanese and with the
commitment to defend the supreme interests of Lebanon."

The Pontiff concluded his remarks by saying: "The approach of the Lebanese
Armenian community has always been balanced and remains so. Our community is
not neutral or passive. Our community is with the integrity of Lebanon and
remains loyal to its unity, independence and coexistence. We will always
continue to be so, working with all the communities, with all the political
forces without exceptions for the sake of Lebanon’s salvation."

The chargé d’afffaires also spoke during the event, welcoming the Catholicos
and praising his address to the Convention organized in the European
Parliament. Among the speakers were also representatives of the Lebanese
community of Belgium, who stressed the importance to strengthen the unity of
Lebanon and hold the presidential elections.

Leading figures of the Lebanese community in Brussels and representatives
>From the Armenian community attended the luncheon.

The day before, the chargé d’affaires of Lebanon to Brussels had officially
welcomed the Catholicos in the VIP section of the airport together with
representatives of the Armenian community, the members of the European
Armenian Federation for Justice and Democracy.

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View the photo here:
tos/Photos47.htm
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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.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress