Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On November 1, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Member of the European Parliament, co-founder of the CE friendship group with Artsakh, Peter Van Dalen and the delegation led by him, accompanied by Gaspar Karapetyan, president of the European office of the ARF Hay Dat.

At the meeting, the Catholicos of All Armenians emphasized that the visit of CE deputies to Armenia takes place in a difficult situation for our people, when the country is facing many post-war challenges and security issues. His Holiness emphasized the importance of such visits, which aim to strengthen the cooperation between the Council of Europe and Armenia, aimed at overcoming the existing challenges.

Referring to the military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan against Armenia from September 13 to 14, the Armenian Patriarch regretfully noted that the Armenian side suffered great human and territorial losses. Regarding the condemnation and prevention of Azerbaijan's bellicose policy, the Catholicos of All Armenians emphasized the support of the international community, expressing hope that the friendly countries, international structures, including the Council of Europe, will express a clear position and take steps to curb Azerbaijan's expansionist ambitions destabilizing the region, and for the free and safe life of the people of Artsakh, in the direction of ensuring rights, returning prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan to this day.

The CE deputies expressed their willingness to support in raising and overcoming the mentioned problems.

During the conversation, a reference was also made to the facts of the destruction and usurpation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh in the territories under the control of Azerbaijan.