The Mother See Addresses False Statements Made by Pashazade in Shushi

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin's inter-church relations department head, His Grace Father Shahe Ananyan, spoke with "Armenpress" about the false statements made by Allahshukur Pashazade, head of the Caucasus Muslims Administration, in Shushi. He also discussed the potential format for a meeting involving the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, the head of the Caucasus Muslims Administration, and the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

His Grace, how do you comment on Allahshukur Pashazade's statements regarding the Holy Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi, claiming it does not have Armenian origins? A few days ago, we learned from the press about yet another false statement made by Pashazade in front of representatives from various religious denominations in Azerbaijan in Shushi... What can we say? This is typical of Pashazade's style—interpreting realities according to his own interests and perceptions. Avoiding discussions on the occupation of most of Artsakh, the homelessness of thousands of families, and the desecration and destruction of spiritual and cultural values in Artsakh, Pashazade once again referred to the so-called Albanian-Judanian church and its false cultural agenda.

It is known that there exists an official format for trilateral meetings involving the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians, the head of the Caucasus Muslims Administration, and the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. In this format, a declaration regarding the peaceful resolution of the Artsakh issue has also been signed. Is this format operational? Is it possible for meetings and discussions to occur within this framework?

An official format for trilateral meetings exists, where possibilities of finding peaceful resolutions to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict have been discussed at the level of religious leaders, along with many other related issues. During the hostilities, the Supreme Patriarch expressed his willingness to meet with the leader of the Caucasus Muslims within the trilateral format to promote the restoration of the ceasefire and reaffirm peace in the region.

After the 44-day war, the Supreme Patriarch officially invited Patriarch Kirill to mediate a visit to Baku to discuss the return of Armenian prisoners of war with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Pashazade, as well as the preservation of our spiritual and cultural heritage in territories under Azerbaijani control.

Regarding the Sheikh-ul-Islam's statement about the desire for a meeting through the UN, it is a result of misunderstanding. In response to a proposal from the UN representative for a meeting with the Azerbaijani Sheikh during a meeting in the USA, the Armenian Patriarch indicated that he had already conveyed his agreement to organize such a meeting in Moscow to Patriarch Kirill.