President Sargsyan, His Holiness Garegin II discuss Armenia-Turkey
relations
armradio.am
25.09.2009 10:45
President Serzh Sargsyan had a meeting with the Catholicos of All
Armenians, His Holiness Garegin II.
The President of Armenia and Garegin II discussed issues pertinent to
state-church relations as well as the current development in the
Armenia-Turkey normalization process.
President Sargsyan said that the process has entered a very important
stage of public and political discussions. He also said that the
unfolding discussions were very important since regardless of whether
the protocols would be signed or not, ratified or not, they were an
opportune occasion to speak about our relations and problems. `They
certainly contain some emotional aspects and elements but it couldn’t
have been any other way since a huge segment of our nation are the
people who are the descendants of those who had perished in the
Genocide. Besides, on the other side of the border there are places
which are sacred for us ` our churches, our capital city, and for many
even the remnants of ancestral homes. I understand that completely
because on many instances I wrestle inwardly my own dreams. However, I
am confident, that these discussions are essential,’ the President of
Armenia said.
Serzh Sargsyan informed the Catholicos that on October 1 he would be
leaving on a weeklong trip to visit the Armenian co
mmunities in Paris,
New York, Los Angeles, Beirut and Rostov on Don to listen to the views
and comments of these and nearby Armenian communities on the process of
normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations.
Garegin II hailed President’s initiative to conduct a pan-Armenian
trip. `Spuyrk is an indivisible and significant part of our nation and
it is only right that our brothers and sisters, who are conducting
today heated discussions regarding the pre-signed Armenian-Turkish
documents, provided with an opportunity to hear from you personally all
the answers to their questions. In turn, you will learn about their
thoughts, viewpoints, and concerns,’ Garegin II said.
The Catholicos of All Armenian informed that at its forthcoming sitting
the Spiritual Council would discuss the process of the Armenian-Turkish
normalization, the pre-signed documents and would make a relevant
statement.
`Mr. President, I wish you success. God’s help and blessings in you
important mission,’ the Catholicos of All Armenian said.