Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On December 4, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received member of the European Parliament Mr. Geoffroy Didier, accompanied by Mr. Olivier Decottignies, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Armenia.

At the meeting, His Holiness expressed his appreciation to Deputy Geoffroy Didier for his pro-Armenian positions, as well as to the European Parliament for the statements made and adopted resolutions in support of the just rights of Artsakh Armenians.

In his remarks, His Holiness referred to the genocidal actions of Azerbaijan, as a result of which Artsakh was depopulated, as well as the occupation of the sovereign territories of the Republic of Armenia by Azerbaijan and the adopted aggressive policy.

During the conversation, the Catholicos of All Armenians referred to the problems of the return of Armenian captives of war held in Azerbaijan and the preservation of Artsakh's spiritual and cultural heritage, emphasizing the taking of effective steps by international courts in that direction.

Member of the European Parliament Geoffroy Didier informed His Holiness Karekin II that during his visit to Armenia, he became acquainted with the difficult situation of the depatriated Artsakh Armenians. On this occasion, the member of the European Parliament assured that from now on he will continue to make efforts to protect the rights of Artsakh Armenians and overcome Armenia's security problems.

During the conversation, a reference was also made to the events surrounding the lease of the "Cows’ Garden" estate of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem. His Holiness expressed his appreciation to the ambassador of France in Armenia for his appeal regarding the issue.