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Antelias: HH Aram I emphasizes importance of Lebanon's Unity, Indep.

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  • Antelias: HH Aram I emphasizes importance of Lebanon's Unity, Indep.

    PRESS RELEASE
    Catholicosate of Cilicia
    Communication and Information Department
    Contact: V. Rev. Fr. Krikor Chiftjian, Communications Officer
    Tel: (04) 410001, 410003
    Fax: (04) 419724
    E- mail: [email protected]
    Web: http://www.cathcil.org/

    PO Box 70 317
    Antelias-Lebanon

    Armenian version: http://www.cathcil.org/v04/doc/Armenian.htm


    HIS HOLINESS ARAM I EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE

    OF LEBANON'S INTERNAL UNITY, INDEPENDENCE AND SOVEREIGNTY


    His Holiness Aram I has been in Geneva for almost a week, chairing the
    meetings of the Central and Executive Committees of the World Council of
    Churches. Meanwhile, the Catholicos has been closely following the latest
    developments occurring in Lebanon.

    When addressing the meeting, His Holiness asked the participants to observe
    a moment of silence in memory of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik
    Hariri, condemned the heinous crime and emphasized the imperative of
    preserving Lebanon's internal unity.

    Aram I spoke during a press conference held later about the current
    situation of Lebanon and strongly condemned the assassination of the former
    Prime Minister, considering it an act targeting the whole country.

    His Holiness considered the assassination "an attempt to disrupt Lebanon's
    internal unity, create political and confessional sensitivities, weaken
    Lebanon's independence and sovereignty and tarnish its dignity." He
    emphasized that now more than ever the Lebanese people need to strengthen
    their internal unity and dignity.

    "All the communities of Lebanon and their leaders should stick to the basic
    values, principles and ideals that form Lebanon's unique identity and
    strengthen its independence and sovereignty," His Holiness said.

    The Catholicos emphasized that in light of the created situation the
    Lebanese should rely on dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for each
    other. He assured that dialogue is the only means of strengthening Lebanon's
    internal unity.

    His Holiness Aram I stressed that the Lebanese should protect their country'
    s interests and preserve a good relationship based on mutual trust with
    their neighbor Syria, as a guarantee to the country's independence and
    sovereignty.

    Speaking about Lebanon's Armenian community His Holiness said: "As a
    constituent member of the Lebanese society, the Armenian community also has
    been deeply shaken by the assassination and is concerned about the current
    situation. The Armenian community of Lebanon emphasizes the importance of
    the full application of the Taef Accord and calls on all parties to
    determine the road to Lebanon's restoration through constructive dialogue.
    The Armenians of Lebanon with their community and political leaders are
    ready to actively and fully participate in all the efforts that lead to the
    strengthening of the country's internal unity, independence and
    sovereignty."

    ##

    The Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia is one of the two Catholicosates of
    the Armenian Orthodox Church. For detailed information about the history and
    the mission of the Cilician Catholicosate, you may refer to the web page of
    the Catholicosate, http://www.cathcil.org/ The Cilician Catholicosate, the
    administrative center of the church is located in Antelias, Lebanon.
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