Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Armenia, Vatican see ‘strong basis’ for further cooperation

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stressed the Vatican’s role in promoting international peace and human rights as he received the new Papal envoy to the South Caucasus on Wednesday.

According to the press service of the Armenian head of state, Sargsyan congratulated Archbishop Marek Solczynski on his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio and expressed confidence that he will bring his contribution to “the noble mission of further deepening and strengthening relations between Armenia and the Vatican.”

The two reportedly stressed that “bilateral historical ties, rich cultural and spiritual heritage constitute a strong basis and present excellent preconditions for the further development of cooperation.”

Sargsyan also expressed gratitude to the Vatican for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide in 2000, underscoring that this way “the Holy See has brought its contribution to the prevention of similar crimes against humanity in the future.”

The Armenian leader also hailed the Holy See’s position regarding the preservation of the Armenian monuments and cross-stones outside Armenia and expressed gratitude for the assistance on that matter too.

The parties reportedly noted with satisfaction that the Mother See of Etchmiadzin and the Vatican maintain a high level dialogue.

President Sargsyan was quoted by his press office as recalling with pleasure his “warm, engaging and efficient meeting” with His Holiness Benedict XVI which took place last December in the Vatican.