Armenian Organizations of the Argentine Republic (IARA) condemn with great concern the Armenian government’s decision to ban His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, from leaving the country, thus preventing his participation in the upcoming bishops’ meeting in Austria.
“This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a broader process that has been taking place recently, characterized by the weakening of state institutions and moves toward authoritarianism, which harms not only the Armenian Apostolic Church, but also society, opposition parties, and the historical relations between Armenia and the Diaspora.
For several years now, we have been alarmed by:
Systematic attacks on the political opposition, including lawsuits and arrests that raise well-founded suspicions of political motivation.
Persecution of critics, limiting pluralism and the right to free speech.
Repeated attempts to discredit the Armenian Diaspora with false claims that the Diaspora’s demands are an obstacle to peace. This attempts to artificially divide Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora.
And, even more serious, the increasing interference of political authorities in the internal affairs of the Armenian Apostolic Church through arbitrary actions and the labeling of its spiritual leader.
Such behavior not only violates the rule of law, freedom of conscience, and speech, but also threatens the unity of the Armenian people both in the homeland and in the Diaspora.
The Armenian Apostolic Church is not a political party or an entity subordinate to the authorities. It is the spiritual pillar of our millennia-old identity and the guardian of our faith. The separation of Church and State must guarantee independence and mutual respect; it must never become an instrument of oppression or enslavement.
The ban imposed on the Catholicos sets a troubling precedent. Preventing his participation in the Church Council is a violation of the right to freedom of movement and a clear attempt by the state to interfere in the life of the National Church.
Based on all this, Armenian organizations in the Argentine Republic resolutely reject:
Any actions aimed at suppressing political opposition, whether institutional or through judicial pressure.
Attempts to separate Armenia from the diaspora through speeches aimed at devaluing the historical devotion of Armenian communities scattered throughout the world.
Persecution or intimidation of religious, public, or political figures for their legitimate activities.
Using state leverage to foment internal strife that weakens national unity.
As representatives of the entire Armenian community in Argentina, we urge the Armenian authorities to:
Fully respect the autonomy and internal governance of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
Guarantee the rights of all individuals, organizations, and parties without discrimination or persecution.
Preserve the independence of the judiciary and political pluralism as the foundation of democracy.
Restore respect and cooperation with the Armenian diaspora, recognizing its historical role and invaluable contribution to the development of the nation.
We reaffirm that Armenia’s strength cannot be built on internal confrontation, the restriction of freedoms, or the stigmatization of dissidents. National unity is not imposed; it is built on respect, sincere dialogue, and democratic coexistence.
Armenian identity, forged over centuries of hardship, cannot be destroyed by a style of action that contradicts our national essence. Church and state are distinct entities, and they must continue to function as such in an atmosphere of mutual respect and balance.” The statement reads.