Where is the place of Turkey in Europe?

A question asked by Aram I in a letter to French President Chirac

?

The Armenians of Cilicia particularly were subjected to Genocide and its consequences, as a result of which, the Catholicosate of Cilicia was forced to leave its historical seat in Cilicia and establish itself in Antelias, Lebanon.

?

In a letter to French President Jacques Chirac, His Holiness Aram I warmly greets the president?s comments on the recognition of the Armenian Genocide during his recent official visit to Armenia.

?

In the absence of the French Ambassador to Lebanon, a delegation from the Catholicosate of Cilicia formed of Dr. Nora Bairakdarian-Kabakian (chairwoman of the Ecumenical Department of the Catholicosate) and Mr. Hagop Shamelian (Chairman of the Properties? Committee of the Catholicosate) handed the letter in person to the charge d?affaires at the French embassy. During the meeting the delegation discussed the issue of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide and Turkey?s membership to the European Union.

?

Written in French, the Pontiff?s letter says:

?

His Excellency Mr. Jacques Chirac

President of the Republic of France

Paris

?

Mr. President,

?

As Catholicos and spiritual leader of the Armenian Catholicosate of Cilicia, I welcome, with great joy, your recent comment in Yerevan about the Armenian Genocide, where, once again, you restated the clear and firm position of the French nation towards this historical tragedy. The Armenians of Cilicia particularly were subjected to Genocide and its consequences, as a result of which, the Catholicosate of Cilicia was forced to leave its historical seat in Cilicia and establish itself in Antelias, Lebanon.

?

With its commitment to human rights, law and justice, France serves as a model to all those countries which continue to deny the Armenian Genocide.

?

The efforts for the denial of the Armenian Genocide can generate new genocides. The international community should therefore approach very seriously to the Armenian Genocide, which remains unpunished.

?

I believe in the dialogue of cultures, religions and nations. I have constantly touched on this issue in my addresses, public lectures and books. Only the acknowledgement and announcement of the truth should lead to dialogue and reconciliation.

?

Europe is not merely a geographic continent, neither it is a political entity. Europe in its essence is a community of cultural and moral values, based on human rights. Therefore, I ask: where is Turkey?s place in the European Community?

?

Mr. President,

?

Your recognition of the Armenian Genocide is an approach that suits France, the principles it defends and pursues as well as its unique role in safeguarding human rights in the world. Mr. President, on this occasion, please accept my warm thanks and deep appreciation.

?

With blessings,

His Holiness Aram I

Catholicos of Cilicia

?

5 October 2006

Antelias, Lebanon