WE MUST CONTINUE WHAT DINK STARTED: DIALOGUE WITH TURKEY, SAYS BISHOP
Tert.am
13:28 ~U 15.02.10
Hrant Dink, former chief editor of the Armenian-Turkish weekly Agos,
initiated a dialogue between Armenia and Turkey, and "we must continue
that way," said, in an interview with Turkish paper Sabah in Istanbul,
the Primate of the Diocese of Gougark of the Holy Armenian Apostolic
Church, Bishop Sebuh Chouldjian, one of three candidates for the post
of co-patriarch at the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople.
"As you know, members of clergy are not involved in political matters,
but as it can be seen, it is politicians who are interested in us.
Almost a century later [after the Armenian Genocide], Armenians and
Turks are making an attempt to sit at the negotiation table for
reconciliation. Diplomatic relations will decrease the tension,"
said Bishop Sebuh, upon the journalist’s request to comment on recent
developments in Armenian-Turkish normalization.
"First of all, a favorable atmosphere must be established for
representatives from both sides so that they can get to know each
other up close. Unlike state officials, people can solve even the most
difficult questions more easily. The clergy can also contribute. The
Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople can become a spiritual and
cultural bridge among Yerevan, Ankara and the [Armenian] Diaspora,"
said the bishop.
He also mentioned that, first of all, Armenian and Turkish
intellectuals, scientists and cultural workers must be able to meet
each other.
"Today we must secure not a clash between civilizations, but a
reconciliation and bringing together of the values of Islam and
Christianity," said Bishop Sebuh Chouldjian.