Russian Patriarch calls Turkey and Armenia to Reconcile

19/3/2010

Making a visit to Armenia, Russian Patriarch Kirill called Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia to leave the hostilities in the past to a side and to make efforts to establish peace and develop relations.

Making a speech at Yerevan Public University, Kirill said, “National identities and historical memory should be preserved. But mistakes in the past should not undermine the relations in future.”

Stressing that historical disputes should not damage today’s relations, Kirill said, “Recent steps towards development of relations between Turkey and Armenia are positive.”

Reminding the war between Russia and Germany in World War II, Kirill said, “It is hard to forget about the past. No one did not forget and nothing is forgotten. But those should not be obstacle for making further steps. We fully support the initiative of normalization of relations of Armenia with her neighbours.”

KIRILL INVITED ARMENIAN RELIGIOUS LEADER KAREKIN II TO BAKU
Stressing that Armenian Church and Russian Orthodox Church may have active role in the process of resolution of Nagorno-Karabakh problem, Kirill said, “In behalf of Azerbaijani religious leader Allahshukur Pashazade, I invite Armenian religious leader Karekin II to Baku.”

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