His Holiness Karekin II Sends Letter to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon
On July 31, upon returning to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians convened a special session of the Monastic Council. He thanked the members of the council for their efforts and dedication as they directed the work of the Mother See during his absence. His Holiness updated the council of the status of recent events in connection with the ?Baron Der? property of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and the ongoing appeal in Israeli courts.
His Holiness further informed the members that he has sent a letter of concern to Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, urging the government of Israel to find a solution to this issue that is agreeable to the Armenian Patriarchate.
The Catholicos of All Armenians is in constant and continuing contact with the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem, and receives regular updates on the current situation.
The following is provided as a brief summary of the current situation, compiled from various sources:
During the previous 15 months, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have sought to implement a specific course of action within the Baron Der property, with the aim of building a new security road, erecting a new separation wall, and using the buildings located on site as military headquarters. To that end, the IDF have caused significant and serious damage to the property. Monastic buildings suffered both internal and external extensive damage. The existing compound wall was destroyed, and a great number of the ancient olive trees were uprooted. After exhausting all other means, His Beatitude Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem has appealed the decision of the Israeli government to the Supreme Court.
