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