Spiritual Council Calls on Authorities Not to Lead Our People to New Disappointments

The Supreme Spiritual Council has issued a statement regarding the internal and external challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh in the post-war period, the statement from the command of the Armenian Armed Forces, and the reaction of the Prime Minister to the created situation. Below we present the full text:

“During the session of the Supreme Spiritual Council convened at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, we addressed the challenges following the Artsakh war, the internal and external post-war challenges facing Armenia and Artsakh, and thoroughly discussed developments within the homeland, particularly the difficult situation created on February 25 due to the statement from the command of the Armenian Armed Forces and the reaction of the Prime Minister. We express our deep concern regarding the following:

• Regarding the heavy political situation stemming from the war, which is deepening daily the economic, social, and public issues, further aggravating the moral-psychological state;
• The ineffectiveness of the steps taken by the Armenian authorities to overcome the current situation and the problematic positions on vital socio-political issues, which will lead to new divisions, exacerbating existing internal and external challenges, fostering distrust in the homeland's future, and creating a serious threat to Armenia's security and the further restoration and progress of Artsakh.

We consider unacceptable the hatred and intolerance sown within the framework of political struggle, mutual contempt and insults, the exploitation of citizens' sentiments, which also leads to the discrediting of the country in front of the international community.

We urge:

• The law enforcement agencies to refrain from using violence and disproportionate force during peaceful demonstrations and gatherings;
• Our people’s sons and daughters to maintain calm, act prudently, lawfully and responsibly, while continuing to be diligent and consistent in protecting the interests of the homeland.

Reaffirming the position expressed by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin regarding the resolution of the existing situation and considering the concerned stance adopted by the Armenian Armed Forces, which is a guarantor of the homeland's security, we call on the National Assembly and other government structures to draw necessary conclusions and act with a high sense of responsibility for the sake of the homeland and the nation, so as not to lead our people to new disappointments, whether in the homeland or the diaspora.

We call on the authorities of the Republic of Armenia and opposition forces to foster the establishment of solidarity and seek solutions to the problems solely by uniting the national potential, keeping the people away from possible confrontations.

We also call for caution in evaluating the Armenian Armed Forces and soldiers and to contribute to the fruitful mission of our army.

In the created situation, the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church must continue every effort to relieve the tense atmosphere and restore social unity and solidarity.

We pray for the dignified overcoming of the crisis, asking the All-Merciful God to keep our homeland and our people safe and peaceful under His Holy Hand.”