Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On August 4, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Head of the European Union Delegation, EU Ambassador Andrea Wiktorin, who is completing his diplomatic mission in the Republic of Armenia.

His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the Ambassador for the service rendered to the Armenian people and the efforts of the European Union aimed at the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh issue. His Holiness, referring to Azerbaijan's belligerent attitude, expansionist ambitions, as well as the latter's disregard of the UN International Court of Justice's decision to lift the blockade of the Berdzor Corridor and the obstruction of the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross, noted the importance of the use of stricter measures by the EU and international structures to restrain similar reprehensible actions of Azerbaijan. According to His Holiness, this reality shows that the people of Artsakh cannot live within Azerbaijan and the right of Artsakh Armenians to live freely and independently must be respected.

The Armenian Patriarch also welcomed the programs implemented by the European Union in various fields in Armenia.

In turn, the head of the EU delegation, Andrea Wiktorin, presented to His Holiness his activities in Armenia, referring privately to the efforts made by the delegation in the security, humanitarian, social and educational fields.

During the conversation, they discussed the importance of the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, discussed the ways to overcome the humanitarian disaster created in Artsakh and the existing security problems in Armenia and Artsakh.