Armenian church calls on Armenian people to unite

YEREVAN, February 29. /ARKA/. The Armenian Apostolic Church is deeply troubled and distressed with the tense internal political situation in Armenia following the presidential election.

RA Prime Minister Serge Sargsian was elected RA President after the February 19 election, having gained 52.82% of the vote. Armenia’s ex-President Levon Ter-Petrosian trailed on 21.25%.

Since February 20 rallies, sit-ins and student walkouts have been held by the opposition in the center of Yerevan. The initiators and participants of the opposition actions protest against the results of the February 19 presidential elections published by the Central Electoral Commission.

The waves of emotions contain within them seeds of intolerance and confrontation for the sons and daughters of our people.  The current situation is fraught with dangers threatening the internal peace and stability of our country and the reputation of our state, the press service of Mother See of St. Echmiadzin reports.

“On the path to independence, our people overcame many difficulties and obstacles, with the hope and faith of seeing a stronger country – not one that is unstable and rocked by divisions, conflicts and tremors.

A divided people are condemned to fail in the realization of their aspirations and in their desires to establish a progressive, prosperous country and a strong state,” according to the official address of the Armenian Church Primates. The bishops of the Armenian Apostolic Church quote the gospel according to St. Matthew: “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand”.

Echmiadzin exhorts opposition leaders to preserve the spirit of common sense, wisdom and discretion and to remain law-abiding during the strikes. “Disregard all voices provoking hatred and enmity. Take each step with serious consideration for our country’s reputation, and for our present and future,” the Armenian Church Primates say in their address.

They believe Mass rallies and marches are not the ideal methods to dispute the final results of a completed election. The All-Armenian Catholicos and diocesan bishops call on the state authorities to exert their utmost efforts using peaceful means to find solutions to the unresolved issues and challenges. –0--