Aram I: Armenia Should Pursue a Balanced Policy to Avoid Dangerous Consequences

On Friday, October 6, 2023, in the Mother Cathedral of Antelias, a meeting took place with the monastic community under the presidency of His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos. The Catholicos addressed the situation that emerged following Azerbaijan’s occupation of Artsakh, the profound pain and resistance created among our people, and the urgent need for humanitarian aid to be provided to our children from Artsakh, who have established a presence in Armenia. This was reported by the Great House of Cilicia.

His Holiness stated that Armenia and our people are facing a new situation. Therefore, it is essential for Armenia to closely monitor the geopolitical developments and carry out a balanced policy to keep the country safe from the dangerous consequences of disproportionate actions. Subsequently, the Catholicos emphasized that, in his assessment, at this point, a pragmatic approach is necessary to clarify a new strategic approach, particularly considering the following three points:
a) The release of prisoners of war and the state officials of Artsakh detained by Azerbaijan.
b) Humanitarian assistance for our children in Artsakh.
c) International guarantees for the right of return for Artsakh residents.

The community expressed its deep rebellion against Azerbaijan's unleashed war against the peaceful Armenian population of Artsakh and its disgraceful policy of forcibly removing them from their historical lands, which, in its approach, method, and purpose, amounted to genocide. The community also strongly condemned the arrests of former and current state officials of Artsakh by Azerbaijan and the ongoing threats against the Republic of Armenia.

Finally, he urged the authorities of Armenia to prioritize assistance to the families from Artsakh who have sought refuge in Armenia by developing special support programs, as well as calling on the international community to provide the necessary assistance for the same purpose.