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: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org
Web:

PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

Armenian version: nian.htm

HIS HOLINESS ARAM I CALLS FOR DIALOGUE AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING
BETWEEN THE ARMENIAN PEOPLE AND ITS LEADERS

We are closely following the troubling developments unfolding in Armenia in
the aftermath of the February 19 presidential elections and are in constant
contact with our Spiritual Brother, His Holiness Karekin II of All
Armenians, in this respect. As Catholicos of the Holy See of Cilicia we
cannot remain silent in view of this crisis that has shook our country.
Armenia and the Diaspora form one entity. Armenia’s conflict is also
Diaspora’s conflict and Armenian’s strengthening means the strengthening of
the Diaspora.

Whatever the reasons leading to the present crisis, it is essential that the
children of our nation steer clear of intolerance as well as statements and
acts that can provoke internal tensions and solve their concerns and
problems with a realistic approach through dialogue and mutual
understanding. In the face of such tensions, the collective and supreme
interests of the homeland and of Armenians should be considered before and
above all kinds of personal, partite and temporary interests.

It is natural to have disagreements regarding issues affecting our homeland
and nation. However, when the homeland faces serious crisis, it is essential
to put aside our disagreements and unite our forces in the service of the
nation’s and the homeland’s collective and ultimate interests. This is what
we expect from the children of our nation and especially from its leaders in
these difficult days.

We pray to God to keep our homeland out of harm’s way and to strengthen our
nation through love and unity.

Catholicos Aram I
Holy See of Cilicia

Saturday, March 1, 2008
Antelias, Lebanon