Armenian Government Highly Praises Pope’s Efforts To Establish Peace

ARMENIAN GOVERNMENT HIGHLY PRAISES POPE’S EFFORTS TO ESTABLISH PEACE IN SYRIA, AMBASSADOR SAYS

16:37 17.01.2014

Armenia, Pope Feancis, Syria

Pope Francis gave his first annual address to the Diplomatic Corps
accredited to the Holy See on Monday. In his speech, the Holy Father
expressed his concern over the conflict in Syria, saying it was
“unacceptable” that unarmed civilians become targets. Pope Francis
also praised those countries which has welcomed refugees from the
crisis into their borders.

“In recent months, tens of thousands of those Armenians fled to the
Republic of Armenia to escape horrors and violence and we understand
probably better than any other the drama of this situation that
the Pope has vigorously denounced since his election,” said Mikayel
Minasyan, the Ambassador of Armenia to the Holy See, Vatican Radio
reported.

“The Armenian government highly praises the efforts of the Holy Father
directed to the enhancement of peace in Syria and truly hopes that
the Geneva 2 Conference, mentioned also by the Pope in his speech,
could be a turning point,” he told Vatican Radio.

“We believe that conflicts are better settled through dialogue,”
Minasyan continued. “We share on this matter the same position of
the Holy See, that only a negotiated agreement can lead to a durable
peace.”

Ambassador Minasyan is the first Armenian Ambassador to the Holy See
to be resident in Rome.

“The decision of the Armenian President to open a permanent diplomatic
mission in Rome, accredited to the Holy See, outlines the importance
that we attach to the mutually shared values and concerns and is
a direct recognition of the diplomatic role of the Holy See in the
world,” he said.

Listen to the full interview by Charles Collins with Ambassador
Minasyan