October 2, 2006 - 14:58 AMT
Chirac: It Is Necessary to Wish for Peace, Work for It and Believe in It
Yesterday French President Jacques Chirac met with Catholicos of All Armenians Garegin II, reports the Press Office of the Chancellery of Holy Echmiadzin. During the meeting the Catholicos informed Chirac that the representation of the Armenian Apostolic Church in France will soon reformed into a Diocese. He thanked the French people for hosting Armenians, who survived the Genocide in 1915 and for recognizing the Armenian Genocide.

Chirac in his turn said, "Naturally, France should have been among the first countries to recognize the Armenian Genocide. I hope that owing to denouncing similar crimes, they will not repeat in the future."

Garegin II noted France's and its President' role in the Karabakh settlement. Chirac said that France within the OSCE MG is working to promote Karabakh settlement. "It is necessary to wish for peace, work for it and believe in it," the French President underscored.

After the meeting with the Catholicos Chirac visited the Cathedral and the Treasure House of Echmiadzin.