Supreme Spiritual Council Statement on Process to Normalize Armenian-Turkish Relations

Supreme Spiritual Council Statement on Process to Normalize Armenian-Turkish Relations
Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services Sep 30, 2009 7:37 AM

On September 30, the Supreme Spiritual Council convened a meeting in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, under the presidency of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. Following discussion on the process aimed at normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations and the associated ongoing discussions, the Supreme Spiritual Council made the following statement:

The Supreme Spiritual Council welcomes the process to establish diplomatic ties free of preconditions between Armenia and Turkey and the process to normalize Armenian-Turkish relations, for the sake of regional security, preservation of peace and the development of regional cooperation.

The Supreme Spiritual Council positively assesses the pan-Armenian discussions currently taking place surrounding this process.

The Supreme Spiritual Council considers as natural and understandable the concerns of Armenians living in Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora, within the context of the bitter historical experience of our people with Turkey, Turkey’s official policy of denying the Armenian Genocide, Turkey’s intolerant position expressed toward the Republic of Armenia, as well as the formulations contained in the yet to be signed protocols regarding Armenian-Turkish relations that have caused various interpretations, and the unacceptable statements coming from the Turkish side associated with this process. In this regard, the Supreme Spiritual Council reconfirms that the Armenian Genocide is an indisputable fact, as is the right to independence for the Republic of Nagorno Karabagh and the self-determination of the Armenians of Artsakh. Our people and authorities shall never abdicate the pursuit and defense of our just national rights.

The Supreme Spiritual Council exhorts all sons and daughters of our nation to show utmost vigilance and reason to avoid nation-damaging polarization, and united together, to face the challenges before our people.

The Supreme Spiritual Council appeals for the assistance of our Lord Jesus Christ and the guidance of the Holy Spirit for the authorities of the Republic of Armenia, so that they lead the process of normalizing Armenian-Turkish relations to a successful conclusion, for the sake of our people’s cherished and vital interests.