LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH FROM KAREKIN II,

UNCLAS YEREVAN 002093 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/CACEN (SIDEREAS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC AM SUBJECT: LETTER TO PRESIDENT BUSH FROM KAREKIN II, CATHOLICOS OF ALL ARMENIANS ¶1. On September 11, His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of Armenia, sent a letter to President Bush to mark the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks. The letter was received at the Embassy on September 14. The original was forwarded by pouch to EUR/CACEN; the text of the letter is paragraph 2 below. ¶2. Begin text of letter to President Bush: Dear Mr. President, we write to you from the spiritual center of the Armenian Church, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, and extend our Pontifical blessings and solidarity to you and all Americans. Today when the world pauses with the United States to commemorate the third anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, we once again offer condolences on behalf of all Armenian people throughout the world, and pray for eternal rest for all innocent victims of violence. The recent tragic events in the Russian Federation once more bear witness that humanity today is facing many challenges. Violence, terrorism, and acts of senseless aggression must be condemned by all peoples and all governments. Mankind will conquer evil when we become united in our quest to defeat terror, fear and hate; when we struggle together for the dream of all people, peace, prosperity, human rights, civil liberties and freedom. As Catholicos of All Armenians, we pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to enter into the hearts of men, and for peace and security to be established throughout the world. We believe that the unending mercy an compassionate love of the Almighty is always with us, and will fortify us in this task. May our Lord Jesus Christ bestow wisdom and strength to you, your family, the government and people of the United States, now and always. With blessings, Karekin II, Catholicos of all Armenians. End text. Evans