The Speaker of the Parliament of Cyprus visits the Catholicosate of Cilicia

“WE CONDEMN THE POLITICS OF DENIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GENOCIDE BY TURKEY”

States His Holiness Aram I

“THE REPUBLIC OF CYPRUS SUPPORTS THE JUST CAUSE OF THE ARMENIANS”

Replies Yianniks Omirou,

Speaker of the Cypriot Parliament

 On Tuesday, December 4^th, 2012, H.E. Yiannis Omirou and his delegation met with His Holiness Aram I in his office. The delegation comprised the Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon, the Secretary of the Parliament, the Chairman of the International Committee of the Parliament and an advisor to the Speaker. Also attending on behalf of the Catholicosate were the President of the Executive Council of the Catholicosate, the Armenian Ministers and Parliamentarians in the Lebanese government.

In his welcoming speech, His Holiness spoke of the long-standing political, economic and religious relations between Cyprus and Cilicia. He said that over time the ties were strengthened and today the Armenian community actively contributes to the strengthening of the island. The Catholicos then spoke of the relations between Armenia and Cyprus, and the need to strengthen those relations because of Turkey’s arrogant behavior towards both states. He said, “Today, Turkey is presenting itself as the protagonist for justice and human rights, while it continues to occupy the island of Cyprus, oppresses its people and denies their human rights. Our people should work together to stop Turkey’s membership to the European Union.”

His Holiness then enumerated the confiscated churches and properties belonging to the Armenian community in Northern Cyprus: the St. Makar Monastery, The Holy Mother of God Church and the compound including offices and the school in occupied Nicosia. He added, “It is against international law for Turkey to exploit these lands.

In his response, Speaker Omirou said, “We should expand and deepen our centuries-long cooperation. In this respect churches have an important role in speaking for human rights. The government is extremely concerned about the future of the properties confiscated by Turkey, which are being transformed and used for other purposes.” At the end of the visit, Catholicos Aram I stressed the need for working together.

Before leaving the Catholicosate, the Speaker and his delegation accompanied His Holiness Aram I to the St. Gregory Cathedral and the Martyr’s chapel where His Holiness prayed for the souls of the martyrs of the Genocide of 1915.

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