In an interview with the director of World Watch Monitor on the morning of March 11, 2014, Catholicos Aram I stressed the fact that the Armenians of Syria stay clung to Syria in spite of the difficult conditions in the country. “We will never forget the spirit of brotherhood that the Syrians showed to the Armenians in the wake of the genocide. For years, Syrian-Armenians have participated in the advancement of Syria. Today, the Syrians face serious dangers and challenges, and we can’t forget the past and leave Syria. True, some Armenians left for a while and settled in safer countries, but we are certain that they will return as soon as security is ensured in Syria,” said the Supreme Patriarch.

The Supreme Patriarch touched upon Christianity in general and the political position of the Armenian community on the solution to the crisis in Syria. In regard to this, the Supreme Patriarch stressed the following: “(a) There can only be a political solution to the Syrian issue. There should not be any armed or foreign intervention, (b) The state, society and communities of Syria must participate in the process that will lead to the establishment of peace in the country, (c) The co-existence between Christians and Muslims is one of the important phenomena in Syrian society, and we view its maintenance as vital, (d) Christian communities have completely fulfilled their duties in Syria as an inseparable part of Syrian society. They also stand up for their rights, individually and as a community”.

The Supreme Patriarch also talked about the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. “The Armenians’ rights remain deprived. The Armenian Diaspora is a reality that was created as a result of the genocide perpetrated by Turkey. We can’t stay indifferent to our violated rights. Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and reparation are the demand of all Armenians.”

In response to the questions that he is always asked, the Supreme Patriarch also touched upon the meeting held in Geneva ahead of Geneva-2 and clarified his views in general. During the interview, the Supreme Patriarch also touched upon the presence of Christianity in the Middle East in general.

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