March 23, 2006 - 14:58 AMT
Garegin II Thanked Canadian PM for Support of Armenian Genocide Recognition
A Canadian Armenian delegation, led by the Primate His Eminence Bagrat Galstanian, met with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper in his Parliament Hill office. During the meeting the Primate congratulated the Prime Minister on his recent election, and thanked him for actively supporting discussion of Armenian issues at the Parliament, especially the passage of Bill M-380 by the House of Commons in 2004, which recognized the Armenian Genocide. The Primate told Mr. Harper that he was gratified to hear the policies of the Conservative government on social issues, and offered his cooperation towards enhancing dialogue with Church and interfaith community leaders in Canada. Bagrat Galstanian also presented a letter from His Holiness Garegin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians. "We highly appreciate this important action," said the Catholicos in his letter to the Prime Minister, referring to Bill M-380. "We look forward that during your term in office, there may be further tangible cooperation between Canada and the Republic of Armenia, leading to official diplomatic representation in Yerevan," added His Holiness.