Catholicos of All Armenians Sends Letter to the Spiritual Leader of Azerbaijan

Etchmiadzin, 05 August, 2014:
On August 5, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, sent a letter to Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Grand Mufti of the Muslims of the Caucasus, urging him to apply efforts, so that the peaceful settlement process of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will not be endangered by the countries authorities.

In the letter, the Armenian Pontiff in particular said, “The continuous firing on the border settlements by Azerbaijan, the diversionary operations and the ongoing ceasefire violations presents a serious threat to the fragile but precious peace achieved in our region.

We are deeply concerned about the tense situation, which has taken the lives of soldiers, and violated the peaceful life of border residents. God-given human life is sacred, and the right to life is sacred. The endangerment of human life is unacceptable.

Provocations and military operations cannot be an alternative to a peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict through negotiations, in accordance with international standards.

Remaining faithful to the peaceful spirit of the tripartite meetings of spiritual leaders of the region, which was the initiative of Patriarch Kirill I of Moscow and All Russia, We appeal to You, as spiritual leader of Azerbaijan, to apply all efforts, so that the authorities of your country stay committed to the earlier agreements, uphold the ceasefire, and not impede the Karabakh conflict settlement process with their activities, allowing for peace and stability in the region”.

Source: Information Service of Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin