YEREVAN. - The reporter of Hurriyet Daily News is a liar. The report saying that I gave negative assessment of Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Lebanon is false, spokesperson for Armenian Apostolic Church in Aleppo Jirayr Reisyan told Armenian News-NEWS.am.

“When a reporter asked me about Pope’s visit, I gave a precise answer - Pope Benedict XVI visited Lebanon, not Syria therefore I have nothing to say. However, the reporter of Hurriyet Daily News wrote fabricated answers on my behalf which contradicts to ethic norms. I will make their shame public with the help of media. I have a record of our conversation,” Reisyan said. 

He added that the reporter also asked questions not related to Pope’s visit. 

As regards pontiff’s visit, representative of the Armenian community said he welcomes the visit of his Holiness to the Christian communities, underscoring the importance of prayer for the Christians of Syria. 

“The visit of Pope cannot be criticized in the way the Turkish press presented it. It is ruled out,” he emphasized.