Karekin II Discusses Mechanisms to Deter Azerbaijan

On February 21, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received a delegation led by French MEPs Sylvie Guillaume and François Alfonsi, co-chairs of the Armenia Friendship Group in the European Parliament, accompanied by Gaspar Karapetian, president of the European Office of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF).

During the meeting, the Catholicos expressed gratitude to the parliamentarians for their efforts toward a peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. His Holiness also acknowledged the ARF's European office for consistently raising issues concerning Artsakh and advocating for the right to live freely and independently.

The Pontiff outlined the fragile situation in the region, particularly highlighting the humanitarian crisis created in Artsakh due to the blockade of the Lachin corridor, addressing the expectations of the Armenian people from the international community regarding this issue. He noted that Azerbaijan's expansionist policies, which destabilize the region, can be countered with the support of friendly nations and a clear stance from the international community.

During the discussion, the MEPs condemned Azerbaijan's aggressions during and after the war, assuring His Holiness that they would continue to bring support and solidarity for Armenia and the Artsakh Armenians in European institutions.