PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Use – Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
Tel: (+961- 4) 410001, 410003
Fax: (+961- 4) 419724
E- mail: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org
Web:
PO Box 70 317
Antelias-Lebanon

The ideology of Pan Turanism was the basis for the Armenian Genocide by
the Ottoman Empire,

Stated His Holiness Aram I

Following the Mass commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Armenian
Genocide at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, where Pope Francis
reaffirmed the Armenian Genocide, Catholicos Aram I was interviewed by
the Vatican Insider newspaper.

The interview covered the following issues: The statement of His
Holiness the Pope and Turkey’s reaction to the statement; the current
situation in the Middle East; and Christian presence in the region.

Responding to the question of genocide, Catholicos Aram I said,
`Historical research, including that of Turkish historians, affirm
that the genocide of the Armenians was planned and executed by the
Ottoman Empire because of Pan-Turanism, the nationalist ideology of the
political party in power at that time–the Committee of Union and
Progress, popularly known as the Young Turks. The Young Turks sought to
unify the people of Turkish origin, politically, culturally and
ethnically, not only in Turkey but also in the Middle East, Asia and
beyond. The presence of Armenians in Cilicia and Western Armenia was a
stumbling block to this ideology. In order to uproot them, the
government instituted a process of genocide. The authorities implemented
this program in three ways: First, they killed or imprisoned the
Armenian lay and spiritual leadership. Second, they organized massacres
in the regions densely inhabited by Armenians. Third, they deported the
others to the Deir Zor desert (Syria) to die of hunger and disease.’

His Holiness continued, ` Today Turkey is distorting the facts by
referring to our people’s demand for justice as religious incitement.
We condemn this manipulation of facts. Armenians are demanding justice
and the restitution of their rights. Our cause has nothing to do with
religion. We have been living with Islam, following the principles of
mutual respect and understanding, since the 7th Century and will
continue this way of living together’

His Holiness Aram I concluded his interview by thanking Pope Francis for
his courageous stand; he said, `The Church is the voice of justice and
represents the will of the people. It does not pursue political goals.’

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Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia

Communication and Information Department
PO Box : 70 317 Antelias – LEBANON
Tel: (+961-4) 410 001 / 3
Fax: (+961-4) 419724
E-mail: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org

Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia
Communication and Information Department
PO Box : 70 317 Antelias – LEBANON
Tel: (+961-4) 410 001 / 3
Fax: (+961-4) 419724
E-mail: info@armenianorthodoxchurch.org