Armenian Apostolic Holy Church Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin

On May 15, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Mr. Erich Vontobel, Member of the National Council of the Swiss National Assembly, at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin.

During the meeting, His Holiness extended his gratitude to the Swiss authorities for their solidarity with Armenia and their dedicated efforts to help overcome the trials confronting the Armenian people. The Catholicos commended the resolution initiated by Mr. Vontobel and adopted by both chambers of the Swiss National Assembly, which advocates for the protection of the rights of forcibly displaced Armenians of Artsakh and ensures their safe, rights-based, and dignified return to their historical homeland.

Mr. Vontobel, in turn, presented the process leading to the adoption of the resolution entitled "Peace Forum for Nagorno-Karabakh: Ensuring the Possibility of Return for Armenians". He outlined its objectives and the vision for subsequent actions, emphasizing that the return of the Armenians of Artsakh is a legitimate rights-based demand enshrined in international law and that the issue must be persistently raised and represented in relevant international forums.

The meeting also addressed the vital role of the Armenian community in Switzerland in fostering friendly relations between the two nations and contributing to the country's development.