"In a statement to the press, His Holiness Aram I described the present world situation as a critical moment in human history full of uncertainties, ambiguities and polarizations. He stated that the concerted actions of September 11 in New York and Washington manifest the growing dominance of evil forces. He added that terrorism, racism, intolerance and other forms of violence are becoming more visible in the world, and that evil forces have made our planet "a dangerous place, in which the God-given human rights of dignity, justice and peace are being constantly violated, and moral values are becoming progressively weaker".

Aram I appealed to all nations, religions and civil society actors to come together to overcome these global forces of terror and death. He expressed his hope that "the international community would make the development of this common action a high priority". He added, "the punitive approach is not an efficient way to combat terrorism", that "while military strikes may contain terrorism, they cannot eradicate terrorism", and therefore, that "leaders should respond to terrorism by pursuing a preventive approach. This approach, stated the Catholicos, "should involve listening and learning from one another through education, advocacy with sensitivity and responsibility, monitoring and networking on local, regional and international levels".

Aram I addressed the role of religion, pointing out that although "religion is exploited by some to justify acts of terrorism, the essence of all religions is non-violence, and the practices of all religions are sustained by justice, peace, respect for human life and moral values". He stated his conviction that "these values should also govern the conduct of all states and the life of all communities". The Catholicos called for "a serious dialogue between religions on the causes of terrorism: secularization, globalization, injustice and poverty". He concluded by stating that "governments and civil society must also address these issues seriously and responsibly", and that "sincere dialogue may lead religions, nations and societies to build a new world order, based on a global ethic that promotes justice with peace and mutual understanding and trust"."

Back to list of statements