I don’t Justify Aram Ateshian, I only Understand His Situation: Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan

168.am talked to Archbishop Pargev Martirosyan, the Primate of the Diocese of Artsakh of the Armenian Apostolic Church, on the open letter sent to Erdogan by Aram Ateshian, General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, as well as on NKR issues.

Your Eminence, in one of media outlets you mentioned that you understand the situation of Aram Ateshian, General Vicar of the Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople, and reminded about the occurrence with Archbishop Mesrop Mutafyan. However, we have the example of Archbishop Shnorhk Galustyan, in case of which there was pressure from Turkish authorities, however he never made such a statement. Is this a matter of personalities?

This is not an issue of personalities. I think it depends on the position of the authorities, how and to which extent the authorities attempt to exert pressure.

Couldn’t Aram Ateshian avoid making this statement?

I think pressure was exerted over him. Otherwise, why should he deliver that speech? He would keep silent and the issue would be closed.

There was pressure during Archbishop Shnorhk Galustyan, however, he was resisting. Now, if he is imposed to appear with other statements, should he do that?

I’m not saying he should make that statement. I’m not justifying him. I simply understand his situation, he is exerted pressure, and he is obliged to do that. This is what I want to say.

Your Eminence, recently Armenian politician Karine Gevorgyan said that the only legitimate person in Karabakh, who is able to  lead relations with the international community, it’s You, as the Armenian Church is a full member of all possible international institutes, meanwhile, according to her, the factor of high-ranking priests is not used. What will you say in this regard? Should the priests raise political issues?

You should ask Karine Gevorgyan, she is saying this. How can I comment on what was said by another person? If she has such an approach, she’ll comment on it better. I know, for 600 years, when we were deprived of statehood, the church had political power. When there were bombings in Karabakh, we left for Moscow, entered embassies of Canada, USA, France, Germany, Great Britain and asked to mediate. I also had meetings with congressmen, senators. We also take part, for instance, our Catholicos also raises our issues in different instances.

This means, if needed Armenian priests are ready to raise our issues on various platforms, and for the time being it’s not needed.

Yes, if our nation needs this, why not? We should do everything. I’m not saying there is no need for the time being, that need is always available, 24 hours a day. However, we have President, National Assembly, Prime Minister and they are all able to raise the issues in political instances and protect. If needed and the Catholicos interferes we will surely bring our participation as well.

By Razmik Martirosyan