SEBOUH CHULJYAN: TURKEY AND ARMENIA SHOULD START BUILDING DIALOGUE WITHOUT MEDIATORS

Armradio.am
19.02.2010 11:20

For the first time in history, an Armenian candidate will likely head
the Armenian Patriarchy of Turkey.

Armenian Apostolic Church Diocese of Gougark Bishop Sebouh Chuljyan
Primate will be the 85th patriarch of Armenians in Turkey if he wins
the elections expected to take place in May.

According to an 1861 Ottoman regulation that is applicable even today,
a bishop can be the patriarch of Armenians in Turkey if his father
was born in Turkey.

Speaking at the historical Armenian church of "Surp Kevork" (St.

Gregory) at KocamustafapaÅ~_a in Istanbul, Chuljyan said if he wins,
then the patriarchy would be "kept away from politics."

"Let politicians deal with politics. I will put effort into enhancing
the dialogue between the Turkish and Armenian peoples," he said. "We
need to look deep in each other’s eyes and talk about grievances."

Chuljyan also said the recent warming of bilateral relations is
a historic milestone. He said steps must be taken immediately to
re-establish official relations. "This chance to open the path of
dialogue between the two peoples should not be missed. Time works
against us," he told the Hurriyet Daily News.

The bishop criticized the Western world’s mediation, also saying that
Germany played a major role in the events of 1915. "Germany has not
accepted its responsibility in the events of 1915 until today. It has
always preferred to keep silent," he said, adding that the innocent
Armenian population in Anatolia went through great agonies in the
past because of the "egocentric stance of the West."

"The Western world has manipulated us for its benefits in Anatolia,"
he said. "I would like to think that those who try to act as mediators
between the Turkish and Armenian peoples are trying to get rid of
the burden of their consciences. However, they have their interests
in mind once again, in the form of the Caucasus."

Chuljyan said he believes Turkey and Armenia should start building
dialogue immediately, without mediators. "There is no one who knows
us better than us. Let us overcome our grievances together and start
a dialogue," he said.

Chuljyan was actually born in Turkey, in the eastern province of
Malatya, before migrating to Armenia at the age of 10 with his family.

If he is elected patriarch, he will apply for Turkish citizenship,
provided the Turkish Republic approves. He said he would keep his
Armenian citizenship and become a dual citizen, Hurriyet reports.

When reminded of the possibility of reopening for prayer the historical
church of Surb Khach on Aghtamar Island in Van province in eastern
Turkey, Chuljyan said: "I believe that the Turkish people have respect
for all beliefs. I believe they will understand the importance of
Surb Khach for Armenians."