Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On May 3, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received the delegation led by Xavier Bertrand, the president of the Aude-de-France Regional Council of France.

Mrs. Hasmik Tolmajyan, Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia to France and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Artsakh to France Mr. Hovhannes Gevorgyan were also present at the meeting.

During the meeting, His Holiness noted with gratitude that the delegation's visit to Armenia and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin is another evidence of Armenian-French friendship and the support shown by France to the Armenian people.

Referring to the post-war challenges and the current difficult situation, the Armenian Patriarch expressed his deep concern regarding the blockade of the Berdzor Corridor and the resulting humanitarian disaster, as well as the recent installation of a checkpoint by Azerbaijan at the beginning of the Berdzor Corridor. According to His Holiness, the inadequate reaction of the international community in this regard, as well as ignoring the decision of the Hague International Court without consequences, gives rise to the unhindered implementation of such a policy in Azerbaijan.

In his remarks, His Holiness also referred to the problems of the return of captives and the preservation of Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan. Mr. Xavier Bertrand, Chairman of the Aude-de-France regional council of France, informed His Holiness that the purpose of his visit is to get to know the situation on the spot, to provide his support in overcoming the existing challenges, as well as to contribute to the deepening of Armenian-French comprehensive cooperation. Mr. Xavier Bertrand also assured the Patriarch of All Armenians that the necessary efforts will be made to return the prisoners of war and preserve the Armenian historical and cultural monuments and sanctuaries of Artsakh.

During the conversation, His Holiness expressed the hope that Mr. Bertrand will consistently raise the issue of protecting the right of Artsakh Armenians to live freely and independently in the European and international courts.

They also referred to the meetings of spiritual Primates of the region for the peaceful settlement of the Karabakh conflict and the results recorded during them.