RELIGIOUS LEADERS OF ARMENIA, RUSSIA, AZERBAIJAN SIGN A DECLARATION ON NAGORNO KARABAKH

armradio.am
26.04.2010 16:38

The head of the Russian Orthodox Church, the Holy Armenian Catholicos,
and the Grand Mufti of the Caucasus signed an agreement on Nagorno
Karabakh on the sidelines of the Religious Leaders’ Summit in Baku,
RIA Novosti reports.

"It is ready and signed. It is very important," Patriarch Kirill said,
adding the agreement would push for reconciliation and attempt to
create an atmosphere of trust in the region.

He also said the deal may encourage political leaders to come to an
agreement over the dispute.

The Russian Church leader also said while religious leaders do not
have political power, they can send "an important signal to believers."

The declaration said potential of the religion, which called for peace,
martyrdom and patience, should be a power of reconciliation.

"We believe that our joint efforts will enable us to prevent the
international confrontation. It is vitally important not to allow
the disputes to return back to the military way. We will strengthen
our peaceful efforts to support the people’s hopes for elimination
of enmity because if the war continues it will be endless."

"We support the international efforts for the resolution of the
conflict. The communication should be extended to achieve peace and
peaceful coexistence with the view of strengthening mutual confidence.

Permanent peace is possible only if there is goodwill and sincere
intention. By supporting the efforts of Armenian and Azerbaijani
presidents we want to assist their initiatives. In order to contribute
to the resolution of the conflict, we think it is important to
continue the dialogue among the religious leaders. The resolution
of the conflict will allow the persons displaced during the war to
return to their native lands. We welcome the release of the captives
by the sides, call on the political and religious figures to activate
their efforts towards benevolent and humanitarian process. We condemn
the acts of barbarism and consider it important to protect religious
monuments, sacred temples of our nations."

The document says that it is not easy to achieve peace and
understanding. "It requires much work and strong will. But we have
great hopes that we will have a success. Let the God endow the
Caucasus with permanent and fair peace, our nations with happiness,"
says the declaration.