«Europe is not merely part of the world or a political unit, but a community having cultural and moral values, based on human rights. Thus, I am asking, where is the place of Turkey in the European family?» said Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I in a letter sent to French President Jacques Chirac. Aram I thanked Chirac for his stand on the Armenian Genocide.

«With a special joy I hail the statement on the Armenian Genocide you made in Yerevan, expressing the stand of the French people. Your stance is worth of France and its principles in human rights,» says the message.

Aram I also remarked that the international community should approach the Armenian Genocide, which is unpunished until now, with full seriousness. «I believe in dialogue between cultures, religions and peoples. However recognition of justice should precede dialogue and reconciliation,» Aram I said, reports the Press Chancellery of Catholicosat in Antilias.