Cilicia Platform Examines POW Release, Genocide, and Armenian Unity Amid Global Shifts

OCP News Service and armenianorthodoxchurch.org – 09/03/2025

Antelias – Lebanon: The online session of the “Cilicia Analytical Platform” took place on Sunday, March 2, 2025, chaired by His Holiness Aram I.

The session addressed two main topics:

a) The letter from His Holiness Aram I to the President of the United States calling upon the release of Artsakh’s prisoners of war.

b) Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s meetings with representatives of Armenian communities in Switzerland, France, and the United States, along with His Holiness’s response to Pashinyan’s remarks concerning the Genocide.

The Platform discussed the shifting global order and its possible implications for Armenia and the South Caucasus, the lack of cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora, and Pashinyan’s statements on the Armenian Genocide. They noted that contrasting views contribute to disagreements within the Armenian community on critical issues, while also inadvertently supporting Ankara’s efforts to question the reality of the Genocide.

Regarding prisoners of war, members expressed that despite enduring torture and psychological pressure, they maintain their dignity. It was noted that Baku seeks to pressure Yerevan to cancel claims against Azerbaijan for war crimes.

The participants emphasized the need for unity to confront these challenges. His Holiness commended the discussions and reiterated the Catholicosate’s commitment to advocate for Pan-Armenianism and protect the historical rights of the community.

Notably, the reports from the conferences held in January and April 2024 on the Artsakh Genocide are set for publication, offering valuable expert materials to aid in restoring the rights of the people of Artsakh.

Source:
OCP News Service