Aram I Rejects Interview Invitation from Turkish Journalist

The Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, Aram I, wrote on his Facebook page: “On the eve of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide in 2014, I received a letter from the director of an important television station in Istanbul, proposing to have an interview with me regarding issues and challenges related to contemporary life in society. The interview was to be conducted by one of Turkey's well-known journalists and was set to last an hour, to be conducted in English and directly translated into Turkish.

I declined to accept the invitation. In response to my refusal, I received a second invitation stating that security would be provided from the moment of arrival at the airport until the return. This time, I set the condition - the interview would take place inside the Mother Cathedral of Antelias and would be broadcast live. I did not receive a response to this condition, because the television executives were well aware that I would undoubtedly mention the Armenian Genocide and the demands of the Armenian people from Turkey.

After referring to this incident in my memo, I wrote that it is necessary to remain vigilant: the Turk tries to approach our people in various ways. Our approach must always be clear and direct - recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the return of the rights of the Armenian people.”