Armenians and Georgians unable to come to agreement

YEREVAN (news.am) - Spiritual leaders of Armenia and Georgia failed to agree on the text of communiqué which contained controversial wordings.

They were not discussed due to lack of time, Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan, head of Information Services of the Mother See, told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

The Armenian delegation challenged the assertion that diocese of the Georgian Orthodox church in Armenia allegedly encountered certain problems, as the Georgian community and church never had problems with acquiring status in Armenia, unlike Armenian diocese in Georgia.

“Besides the text of communiqué circulated in press was introduced by the Georgian side for discussion and approval by the Armenian Apostolic Church but it was not signed. It is unclear for the Armenian side how the document was circulated not being ratified by any of the sides,” he said.

Rev. Fr. Vahram Melikyan said there is a Georgian church in Armenia where community members can conduct liturgy.

The Georgian side also claims that some churches located in the north of Armenia are Georgian ones. However, these assertions are untrue as well, he added. The Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin has expressed its position on the issue noting that the Georgian side should justify its demands.

In the course of the visit of Karekin II to Georgia local media outlets spread reports that a communiqué was allegedly signed by the Armenian and Georgian spiritual leaders.