On April 18, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians received Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
Welcoming Mr. Thorbjorn Jagland’s visit to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness expressed his satisfaction to the Council of Europe for assisting Armenia with the process of reform. His Holiness noted that the involvement with the European Council greatly improves the democratic activities in Armenia which is considered an essential component of Christian values.
During the meeting His Holiness expressed his particular concerns regarding the opinions which have been issued by different European organizations regarding the Republic of Armenia laws on “Military Service” and “Alternative Service”. His Holiness stressed that in such cases it is advisable to take into consideration the specific situations and conditions of a particular country.
During the meeting they reflected on the Armenian community’s approach to belief and religion, the efforts by world religious leaders to solve regional problems and to peacefully negotiate the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, as well as the important role of Inter-Faith Dialogue.
