On April 16, His Holiness Karekin, the Second Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, received Marcus Ritter, the head of the European Union's civil observation mission in the Republic of Armenia, at the Holy Etchmiadzin Mother See.
The Catholicos of All Armenians welcomed Mr. Markus Ritter's visit to the spiritual center of all Armenians, noting that this meeting is an opportunity to get acquainted with the problems faced by the EU observation mission.
His Holiness expressed his concern regarding the current tension and the security of the people of the border settlements, stressing that Azerbaijan's encroachments and demands are putting Armenia in front of new security challenges and jeopardizing the peace negotiation process.
His Eminence appreciated all the efforts to restore peace and stability in the region with the support of friendly countries and international structures in the prevailing difficult situation.
In his turn, the head of the EU observation mission conveyed to His Holiness the information about the activities of the observation mission and the border situation, assuring that the mission will implement everything possible to contribute to the reduction of border tension and the establishment of stability in the border regions of Armenia.