In light of Pashinyan’s unilateral transfer of territories in the Tavush region to Azerbaijan and the unacceptable positions of the Armenian authorities in negotiations, the Supreme Patriarch of Holy Etchmiadzin reaffirms its previously expressed position, staunchly opposing the concessions.
This statement, issued by the highest spiritual council, reads:
“We consider the actions taken under the pretext of demarcation and delimitation of the border in the Tavush border area extremely dangerous. These actions, taken without comprehensive and guaranteed solutions, create new threats to our people.
The situation has understandably caused outrage among Armenians worldwide, particularly among the residents of the border communities of Tavush, leading to the emergence of the civil movement “Tavush for the Homeland.”
In the face of existential challenges, spiritual leaders, specifically the clerics of the Tavush diocese led by the head of the diocese, faithful to their spiritual mission and calling, cannot remain indifferent to the cares and needs of the people entrusted to their care.
We call on our people to express their concerns and fears exclusively through peaceful means and to show calm and restraint, refraining from unlawful actions. We expect law enforcement agencies to strictly adhere to the law.
We also urge the authorities to listen to the justified demands of the people and to pursue approaches aimed at achieving peace, avoiding actions that increase security threats and exacerbate the sense of vulnerability and uncertainty in our society.
While emphasizing the importance of demarcation and delimitation processes, we affirm that these works must be carried out under conditions that exclude war, ensuring the safe and uninterrupted life of those in populated areas.
Our national dignity, zeal, and loyalty to the homeland and sacred values should not give way to hopelessness, intolerance, timidity, enmity, or hatred.
The Church, without seeking political power, must continue to make efforts, understanding its historical responsibility, to strengthen the Motherland and statehood, protect the identity and rights of our people, promote unity and brotherly love in national life, and contribute to the establishment and consolidation of peace in the region.
We pray that the Heavenly Lord preserves our country in peace and strengthens the spirit of love, solidarity, and unity in the life of our people.”
