Participants of the Conference of Armenian National Committees continued their meetings in Armenia on September 28, first meeting with Catholicos Karekin II at the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin before later holding discussions with representatives of Artsakh’s institutions in Yerevan.

At the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Catholicos Karekin II received participants of the Conference of Armenian National Committees.

Hagop Der Khatchadourian, Chairman of the Armenian National Committee International Office, briefed the Catholicos on the conference proceedings, the priorities of Armenian National Committee structures worldwide and their upcoming programs.

Karekin II offered his blessing and appreciation to the participants, highlighting their continued efforts to defend Armenian interests and raise issues of national importance on international platforms.

The meeting addressed challenges facing Armenia and regional developments, the rights of forcibly displaced Artsakh Armenians, the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan and the preservation of Armenian spiritual and cultural heritage in Artsakh. Participants emphasized the importance of coordinating the resources of Armenian organizations in addressing these issues.

According to the Mother See, the meeting also addressed concerns surrounding relations between Armenia’s authorities and the Armenian Apostolic Church. The Mother See characterized government actions toward the Church as a campaign against the institution and stressed the Church’s spiritual and national role in preserving Armenian identity and strengthening Armenian statehood.

Later on September 28, representatives of the Armenian National Committee International Office, offices and committees met with members of the Artsakh National Assembly at the Artsakh Representation in Yerevan. The State Minister of Artsakh and the Human Rights Defender also participated in the meeting.

Acting President of the Artsakh National Assembly Gagik Baghunts highlighted the work carried out by Armenian National Committee offices and committees. Der Khatchadourian said the Artsakh issue remains a central priority of the organization’s activities and emphasized the importance of maintaining Artsakh’s state institutions.

The discussions focused on efforts concerning Artsakh in international forums, including the right of the forcibly displaced Armenian population to collective return under international guarantees, the release of Armenian prisoners and hostages held in Azerbaijan, the protection of Artsakh’s Armenian cultural and historical heritage, and expanded social and educational assistance for displaced Artsakh Armenians.

The participants stressed the importance of continued coordination and cooperation. ARF Bureau member Hovsep Der Kevorkian also emphasized the role of Artsakh’s institutions and the importance of such meetings in coordinating future work more effectively.