PRESS RELEASE
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
Tel: +374-10-517163
Fax: +374-10-517301
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website:
September 30, 2009
Supreme Spiritual Council Meeting Statement
Regarding the Process to Normalize Armenian-Turkish Relations
On September 30, the Supreme Spiritual Council convened a meeting in the
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin
II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Following discussion
on the process aimed at normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations and the
associated ongoing discussions, the Supreme Spiritual Council made the
following statement:
The Supreme Spiritual Council welcomes the process to establish diplomatic
ties free of preconditions between Armenia and Turkey and the process to
normalize Armenian-Turkish relations, for the sake of regional security,
preservation of peace and the development of regional cooperation.
The Supreme Spiritual Council positively assesses the pan-Armenian
discussions currently taking place surrounding this process.
The Supreme Spiritual Council considers as natural and understandable the
concerns of Armenians living in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, within
the context of the bitter historical experience of our people with Turkey,
Turkey’s official policy of denying the Armenian Genocide, Turkey’s
intolerant position expressed toward the Republic of Armenia, as well as the
formulations contained in the yet to be signed protocols regarding
Armenian-Turkish relations that have caused various interpretations, and the
unacceptable statements coming from the Turkish side associated with this
process. In this regard, the Supreme Spiritual Council reconfirms that the
Armenian Genocide is an indisputable fact, as is the right to independence
for the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and the self-determination of the
Armenians of Artsakh. Our people and authorities shall never abdicate the
pursuit and defense of our just national rights.
The Supreme Spiritual Council exhorts all sons and daughters of our nation
to show utmost vigilance and reason to avoid nation-damaging polarization,
and united together, to face the challenges before our people.
The Supreme Spiritual Council appeals for the assistance of our Lord Jesus
Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the authorities of the
Republic of Armenia, so that they lead the process of normalizing
Armenian-Turkish relations to a successful conclusion, for the sake of our
people’s cherished and vital interests.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
