ETCHMIADZIN. – We condemn the exploitation of religion for political objectives. Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II noted the abovementioned at his talk Monday, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, with Secretary-General Michaëlle Jean of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF).

Karekin II considered it symbolic that the 31st meeting of the OIF Ministerial Conference was held in Armenia during the Armenian Genocide Centennial year, thus sending a message to mankind to recognize the Armenian Genocide and prevent such crimes in the future, informed the Mother See Information Services.

The Catholicos also reflected on the Armenians’ close ties in the Middle Ages with several countries of today’s La Francophonie family. In this connection, he welcomed the present-day collaboration and expressed confidence that this will enrich the OIF member states.

Jean, in turn, presented the Catholicos of All Armenians the results of the OIF Ministerial Conference that was convened in Armenia’s capital city of Yerevan, and the future plans and imperatives of this organization.

The interlocutors also discussed the tragic developments that are taking place in the Middle East.

“There is no religion that advocates war, hatred and intolerance; all religions preach love and peace,” noted Karekin II. “Nonetheless, we see today that disasters are happening in human lives because of extremist religious movements.”