ETCHMIADZIN. – All Armenian Catholicos Karekin II received on Thursday the Georgian delegation led by the Georgian PM Bidzina Ivanishvili accompanied by the Armenian Ministry of Culture Hasmik Poghosyan.

Karekin II touched in particular upon the proper preservation and reconstruction of the Armenian historical sanctuaries in Georgia, as well as the return of several churches to the Georgian-Armenian diocese to satisfy the spiritual needs, Etchmiadzin Holy See informs. Karekin II also believes that the Georgia will take necessary steps to solve the issues properly.

He also discussed with the PM the perspectives of teaching the Armenian History subject at schools in Georgia and in addition presented petition for releasing Armenian-Georgian political prisoner Vahagn Chakhalyan.

The Georgian PM spoke about the Armenian-Georgian centuries-old friendship, emphasizing he will assume the reconstruction of churches and all the other necessary steps for the preservation of the Armenian churches. Ivanishvili also ordered to organize teaching of the Armenian History subject, as well as added that Chakhalyan’s issue is being discussed.