Catholicos Karekin II: Security and peace will return to Syria

Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, voiced confidence that security and peace will return to Syria, with all Syrians, including Armenian Syrians, will live peacefully and free of sorrow and will take part in building and developing their country.

In an interview given to the Syrian TV on Saturday, Catholicos Karekin II voiced concern and sadness over what is happening in Syria, but he also asserted that Syrians will find peace and happiness and lead creative, productive lives leading to the prosperity and development of the country.

He pointed out that the Turkish authorities continue to reject any political solution for the crisis in Syria, demanding that all countries of the world play an active role in restoring peace to Syria so that Armenians can once again live peacefully there.

Karekin II asserted that Armenians will continue to live in Syria, take part in developing it, and preserve their national heritage, national sanctities, and their identity as proud Syrians.

He said that Syrian-Armenian relations are fraternal and based on cooperation and friendship, stressing the need to maintain them and strengthen them, noting that Armenians settled in Syria in 1915 after the genocide waged against them by the Ottomans, with the Syrians receiving them with open arms and the authorities protecting them.

Karekin II said that Armenians in Syria managed to preserve their identity and culture and faith, earning citizenship and the love, respect, and appreciation of the Syrian people, and in return showed gratitude to Syria and its people.

"We believe that there will come a day when the Turkish people and the Turkish authorities will acknowledge the genocide of Armenians, and justice will be served for Armenians, and amends will be made for the loss caused by Turkey to the Armenian people," he said.

Karekin II also pointed out that Armenian churches in Syria were damaged and vandalized by extremist terrorists, calling upon the world to condemn such acts and support Syria's efforts to restore security and stability so that Armenians and all Syrians can live their lives in peace.