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HH Karekin II Commends Canadian Parliament for Genocide Recognition

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  • HH Karekin II Commends Canadian Parliament for Genocide Recognition

    PRESS RELEASE
    Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Information Services
    Address: Vagharshapat, Republic of Armenia
    Contact: Rev. Fr. Ktrij Devejian
    Tel: (374 1) 517 163
    Fax: (374 1) 517 301
    E-Mail: [email protected]
    April 22, 2004

    His Holiness Karekin II Commends Canadian Parliament for Genocide
    Recognition

    On April 22, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of
    All Armenians, sent a letter to the Honorable Peter Milliken, Speaker of the
    House of Commons of Canada. In the letter, His Holiness expresses the
    gratitude and appreciation of all Armenians throughout the world for
    yesterday's decision, whereby the Canadian Parliament officially recognized
    and condemned the Armenian Genocide.

    Addressing the members of the House of Commons, His Holiness states in part,
    "We are grateful that following the brutal years of 1915 through 1923, the
    Armenian people found shelter and acceptance in the blessed country of
    Canada, as in many other countries throughout the world. The children of
    the first genocide of the twentieth century not only survived in their new
    homes, but they thrived, becoming contributing, loyal and worthy citizens.

    "However, as we approach the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in
    2005, the important issue of genocide remains before the whole of mankind.
    Genocide can never be the solution to the religious, social and political
    conflicts of our times. The way to prevent genocide is to recognize it.
    The only way to find justice for its victims, both living and dead, is to
    condemn it. Genocide is not a crime against one nation, but rather it is
    against man and against God. It is the gravest crime against humanity. God
    's primary grace is the gift of life. The defense of life has been
    entrusted to governments, and each life protected is a gift we offer to God.
    All should be made aware that any action directed against the life of man,
    shall be condemned from its inception. Human suffering can be stopped,
    through the actions of brave men and women such as you, which help justice
    to prevail."

    The Pontiff of All Armenians, offering his prayers and blessings from the
    spiritual center of the worldwide Armenian Church, commended the members of
    the House of Commons for their "consideration of this issue (Genocide
    recognition), and readiness to champion its resonance to greater awareness".

    ##
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