Mother See Responds to Azerbaijani Religious Leader's Statements

The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has responded to the statements made by Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshükür Pashazadeh, the spiritual leader of Azerbaijan. This was reported by Radar Armenia.

"The President of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshükür Pashazadeh, has distorted the words of the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians and drawn incorrect conclusions. The Patriarch has never called for war. His Holiness has always emphasized and highlighted the protection of the God-given right of the Armenian people of Artsakh to live freely and independently in their homeland," stated the information department of the Mother See.

The appeal from Holy Etchmiadzin to Allahshükür Pashazadeh is made in his capacity as a spiritual leader, urging humanitarian steps in accordance with the will of the Almighty, so that the Azerbaijani authorities release the prisoners of war held in Baku, cease cultural genocide, and lift the blockade of the Berdzor corridor, which has pushed 120,000 Artsakh residents to the brink of humanitarian disaster for over four months. This would be the best manifestation of the spirit of friendship expressed by Pashazadeh, the Mother See stated.

Earlier, Pashazadeh, who is also the leader of the Caucasus Muslims, commented on the statements of the Armenian Apostolic Church leader, His Holiness Karekin II, regarding the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. The Catholicos had asserted that there is no doubt that "we will defend the people of Artsakh's right to live freely and independently." In response, Pashazadeh stated: "I believe the statements of the Armenian Catholicos are unacceptable for a religious leader. Clerics should not call for war, but rather for peace. The new war calls from the Catholicos are linked to his being a captive of political ambitions. The intervention of religious leaders in politics is a mistake. We appeal to the Armenian Church for friendship."