Author: Christine Harutyunian

Nagorno-Karabakh, which is of great importance for the Turkish world, was liberated from the bondage of Armenia for many years with the contributions of Türkiye, about 2 and a half years ago. However, under the influence of Armenian lobbies, some Western countries, especially France, reveal their discomfort at every opportunity that Nagorno-Karabakh fell into the hands of Azerbaijan, which is the real owner.

While Azerbaijan gave the necessary answer to these indigestion that occurs from time to time, President Aliyev warned the countries in question very harshly this time.

Aliyev received Masim Mammadov, whom he appointed as the representative of the president to Lachin, which was liberated from the occupation of Armenia in the 2nd Karabakh War.

In his speech at the reception, Aliyev reminded that the infrastructure and environment were damaged by Armenia in Lachin during the occupation period, and stated that illegal resettlement was implemented in some parts of the province.

Aliyev noted that they have also started extensive reconstruction and revival works in Lachin, and that the citizens who had to leave their lands will return to the region in a short time, and that the Azerbaijani state will provide them with comfortable living conditions.

Ilham Aliyev reminded that the mediators have taken a different approach to Lachin during the negotiations that have been going on for years, and that Armenia never wanted to give Lachin back to Azerbaijan. "France's unfair and negative attitude towards Azerbaijan is not a coincidence. During the occupation period, they wanted to conceal their attitude and mislead us," he said.

Stating that an ugly campaign has been carried out against Azerbaijan in the 2.5 years since the 2nd Karabakh War, Aliyev said, "All this is in sight. Some decisions adopted by the European Parliament against Azerbaijan are the product of a pro-Armenian, corrupt and anti-Azerbaijani group. And here French deputies play the leading role."

Expressing that they felt the attitude of some Western countries towards Azerbaijan during the occupation period, although not as much as today, Aliyev said, "We could not imagine that countries could be so hypocritical and liar. They can say one thing to one's face and do something else behind their back." 

Noting that the whole world saw everything in the 2.5 years after the 2nd Karabakh War, Aliyev said, "Anti-Azerbaijani forces also saw our strong will. No one can affect our will. No one can speak to us with an ultimatum. This is the 2nd Karabakh War. We proved it to Armenia in the war, and to the protectors of Armenia in the 2.5 years after the war."

(AA)

 Umer Jamshaid  Published March 20, 2023 | 09:42 PM

The general secretary thanked His Beatitude for his warm welcome and hospitality and expressed his wishes for long-term collaboration between the WCC and the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople.

During the meeting, the WCC general secretary emphasized the important role of the Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church within the fellowship of the worldwide churches, and in the countries with significant Armenian communities. In Istanbul, where more than 50,000 Armenians are living, the Armenian Church gathers the community together in 33 churches and 17 schools, and through different activities delivered in these places of worship and education.

The meeting reflected on the need for Christian unity agreeing that unity is a gift from God that must be received and lived out by churches today.

Pillay stated, “We live in a world of inequalities, injustices, wars, factions, sufferings and violence and the unity of churches is important for us to witness to a broken world.” He added that “the miracle of the WCC is that 352 member churches with such great diversity can still come together and in oneness proclaim Christ’s love to the world. However, unity is not uniformity. Unity is when we can act as one for our common interest for the world that God wants to see.”

The meeting affirmed the need for churches to remain committed to working together and affirmed that the WCC would continue to assist churches in working and acting together to create a better world led by justice, reconciliation, and unity.

 Archbishop Sahak Mashalyan talked as well about the consequences of the devastating earthquake, which took more than 50,000 lives in Turkey. He also referred in details to his visit to the affected areas where the Armenian Church continuously provides help to the people for their basic needs. The general secretary mentioned that ecumenical organizations have responded to the situation and the WCC will organize a solidarity visit very soon to the affected places and continue to pray and seek support for the people who continue to suffer in this tragic situation.

A discussion on the 1700th anniversary of the Nicaea Council in 2025 also took place during the meeting. The archbishop highlighted the importance of the WCC’s commemoration of the anniversary, and suggested some significant themes that need to be addressed in depth during the celebrations.

Pillay was accompanied by Dr Ani Ghazaryan Drissi, WCC programme executive for the Faith and Order Commission.