PATRIARCH TALKS ABOUT TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY
The Messenger
Nov 6 2009
Georgia
As part of his visit to Azerbaijan Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
Ilia II met Caucasus Muslims Sheikhulislam head Haji Allahshukur
Pashazade on November 5. One of the topics they discussed was the
territorial integrity of Georgia and Azerbaijan.
Azeri news agency Trend News reported that the Catholicos-Patriarch
stated at the meeting that war and instability will not last forever
in the South Caucasus, adding that Georgia will do everything it can
to restore territorial integrity in both countries.
"We live in a very difficult time," he said. "Although we always
dreamed of independence, our expectations have not been entirely met.
Azerbaijan’s and Georgia’s territorial integrity have been violated.
We will not allow Azerbaijan’s integrity to be further violated. We
will do everything we can to restore it," the Catholicos-Patriarch
stated, mentioning the efforts of the Sheikhulislam and the Azerbaijani
and Georgian Presidents to restore peace and stability in the region.
Pashazade stated at the meeting that both neighbouring states share a
‘common fate’ and in many ways the destiny of Azerbaijan and Georgia
is the same, highlighting that some forces hope to sow discord among
these nations. "A major problem for both Georgia and Azerbaijan
is the violation of their territorial integrity," he said. "It is
no secret that other serious problems in the Caucasus are related
to Armenia’s territorial claims against its neighbours. I believe
you will make every effort to establish peace in the Caucasus and
eliminate separatism," the Caucasus Muslim spiritual leader added.
Before meeting Pashazade the Catholicos-Patriarch had met Azeri
President Ilham Aliyev on November 4. According to Azeri news sources
Aliyev expressed his satisfaction regarding the successful development
of Azeri-Georgian relations in all spheres. The Azerbaijani leader
praised the participation of the Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia
in the international conference entitled "Interreligious dialogue:
from mutual understanding towards joint cooperation" to be held in
Baku. Greeting President Aliyev on behalf of the Georgian Orthodox
Church and people, Ilia II said that the Georgian people know the
Azerbaijani leader very well and love him for conducting his wise
policy at this difficult time.
Georgian Patriarch Ilia II left for Baku on November 4 to attend
the 60th birthday of Allashukur Pashazade, Caucasus Muslim Council
Head and spiritual leader of Azerbaijan. Russian Patriarch Kyril,
Pope Benedict XVI and other spiritual leaders are also expected to
attend the celebrations on November 6. Contradictory reports have
been spread concerning a possible meeting between the Georgian and
Russian Patriarchs, which would be their first, in Baku.