On Monday, March 10th, EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy Catherine Ashton visited the Armenian Holy Savior Cathedral in New Julfa, Iran, the Prelacy of New Julfa informs.
Primate of the Armenian Diocese of Isfahan, Bishop Papken Charian expressed gratitude to the European Union for recognizing the Armenian Genocide and referred to the ECHR ruling on Armenian Genocide denial case.
He praised the constant support of the Iranian authorities to the maintenance of the Armenian Churches and cultural values, and reminded a few years ago neighboring Azerbaijan demolished the Armenian cross-stones in Old Julfa, which was a cultural genocide. The Primate voiced hope that the European Parliament will condemn the vandalism to prevent the reoccurrence of such genocides elsewhere in the future. Catherine Ashton assured she would pursue the protection of human rights.
At the end of the visit Ms. Ashton left a note in the memory book of the museum.
