Catholicos urges EU envoys to act on Armenian POWs

PanARMENIAN.Net - On May 21, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II received ambassadors from European Union countries representing Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. The diplomats were attending a regional seminar in Armenia.

At the beginning of the meeting, EU Ambassador Vassilis Maragos introduced the delegation to His Holiness and provided brief information about the ongoing gathering.

In his address, the Catholicos expressed concern over the security threats facing the Armenian nation. He highlighted the occupation of Artsakh, the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced Armenians from the region, and the urgent need for the return of Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan. He also spoke about the destruction and appropriation of Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in Artsakh, underscoring the necessity of serious international engagement to establish peace and stability in the region.

The Catholicos called on EU member states and institutions to take concrete steps against Azerbaijan’s ongoing anti-Armenian policies.

He emphasized that the visit to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin offered a meaningful opportunity to understand the role of the Armenian Church in the lives of the Armenian people. He noted that many of the ambassadors had likely interacted with Armenian communities in their home countries and workplaces, gaining familiarity with Armenian culture and faith. He added that holding the seminar in Armenia could foster a deeper understanding of the country’s ancient heritage and raise awareness about the complex situation the Armenian people currently face.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Ambassador Maragos thanked His Holiness for the warm reception and stressed the importance of continued dialogue and cooperation between the European Union and the Armenian Apostolic Church in pursuit of just and lasting peace.

In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade and the ethnic cleansing of the entire Armenian population of Artsakh, Azerbaijan captured several former leaders of Artsakh, including former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former state minister Ruben Vardanyan; foreign minister Davit Babayan; and other senior officials. They face fabricated charges that could lead to life sentences. A show trial began in Baku on January 17.