Karekin II Appeals to Patriarch Kirill of All Russia for Mediation

A meeting took place in Moscow between His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, and Patriarch Kirill of All Russia. Karekin II praised Patriarch Kirill's contribution to strengthening Armenian-Russian relations, as well as his initiative to hold a trilateral meeting of spiritual leaders regarding the resolution of the Artsakh issue.

During the meeting, the Catholicos also raised the issue of the release of Karen Ghazaryan, who is being held captive in Azerbaijan.

“Recently, Karen Ghazaryan, who has mental health issues, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being found in Azerbaijani territory. This decision has been made with a clear violation of human rights. Considering your experience as a spiritual leader in such matters, I appeal to you to mediate with the spiritual authorities in Azerbaijan and to help facilitate the return of Karen Ghazaryan to his family,” Karekin II told Patriarch Kirill.