Leaders of Armenian Church call on prime minister Pashinyan to resign (video)

YEREVAN, December 8. /ARKA/. The head of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, has added today his voice to calls urging Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to resign.

In a statement, issued by the Holy See of Etchmiadzin, Karekin II said that dictated by the growing internal tensions in the society the country is facing, with serious external and internal challenges, and the lack of public trust towards the Prime Minister, he expressed his Pontifical exhortation to him to take a commitment and resign in order to   prevent clashes, potential conflicts and tragic consequences in public life. 

'In this regard, at this crucial moment for our Homeland, we call on the National Assembly to act with high sense of responsibility to listen to the demands of the public, and, in consultation with the political forces, elect a new Prime Minister, form an interim government with the national agreement. Only the government with a public trust and formed by the professionals, will be able to resolve the issues our people are facing; to restore national solidarity and unity; and organize an extraordinary parliamentary elections of indisputable necessity.

“We are living through difficult days of pain and anxiety in the aftermath of the horrors of war. The martyrdom of thousands of our heroic children, the loss of a significant part of the historical Artsakh, the catastrophic consequences of the war, the greatest threat of external danger shook our souls, undermined solidarity, and national unity in the Motherland and in the Diaspora. The current difficult situation and deep internal political crisis have put our native country in front of new threats, making it an urgent need to urgently address the serious problems that have arisen,' the statement said.

'We held discussions in connection with the increasing situation with members of the Episcopal class of our holy Apostolic Church and members of the Supreme Spiritual Council. We also had meetings with the President of the Republic, the Speaker of the National Assembly, representatives of various political and national organizations. It is a common belief that this fatal situation must be resolved exclusively by constitutional means, in conditions of national solidarity and common sense.'

“We bring our paternal message to our faithful people, the authorities, the opposition political forces, calling to refrain from words and actions that provoke violence and sow hatred in these difficult days. As a nation, let’s make a joint effort to contribute to overcoming the current crisis. The vivid memory of our martyred heroes, the sacred pledge to fulfill their cherished visions in our hearts, let us unite and work for the bright future of our homeland, for the peaceful, secure and prosperous life of our people. God protect, help our people, the homeland,” the Catholicos stated.

Earlier today, Aram I, the head of the Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Antelias, Lebanon, called on Pashinyan to resign. -0-