Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On October 22, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Mrs. Silvia Alejandra Fernández de Gurmendi, former President of the International Criminal Court (ICC), at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

During the meeting, His Holiness briefed Mrs. Fernández de Gurmendi on the current situation in the region, expressing deep concern over Azerbaijan's ongoing expansionist ambitions, which are accompanied by threats of force and violations of human rights.

In this context, the Armenian Patriarch also addressed the security challenges faced by the Armenian people, emphasizing the importance of effective measures by various international legal bodies to protect the rights of Armenia and the Armenians of Artsakh, to ensure the return of hostages still held in Baku, to preserve the spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh, and to condemn acts of genocide against the Armenians of Artsakh.

The Catholicos of All Armenians also expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Silvia Alejandra Fernández de Gurmendi for her significant contribution to the development of justice and for protecting the rights of the sons and daughters of the Armenian people.

During the conversation, Mrs. Silvia Alejandra Fernández de Gurmendi informed His Holiness that the primary purpose of her visit was to support Armenia in the fields of international criminal law and justice, as well as to discuss ways to expand effective cooperation with the International Criminal Court.