Armenian Apostolic Holy Church The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On September 10, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, High Representative for the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) Miguel Ángel Moratinos.

At the meeting, His Holiness drew the attention of the UN representative to the difficult situation in the region and the security challenges facing Armenia, particularly addressing the issues of the border areas occupied by Azerbaijan, the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians, the destruction and appropriation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh.

Regarding the proper and fair conclusion of the latter, the Armenian Patriarch emphasized the active support of the international community and friendly countries.

His Holiness Karekin II expressed his satisfaction for the steps taken by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations in the direction of the protection of human rights and the preservation of spiritual and cultural values.

In turn, Mr. Miguel Ángel Moratinos presented to the Catholicos of All Armenians the main areas of activity of the Alliance of Civilizations, expressing his willingness to continue contributing to the resolution of the raised issues within the powers of the department he heads.

During the conversation, reference was also made to the caring mission of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church, the programs implemented in the current difficult situation, as well as the cooperation with Sister Churches and international and inter-church structures in order to protect the violated rights of Artsakh people.

Regarding the preservation of the Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage of Artsakh, the organization of a mission of independent experts for the purpose of assessing the situation was also important, as well as the active involvement of UNESCO.