Three members of the board elected to organize the elections of the Armenian patriarch of Istanbul have resigned, Agos reports.
According to the source Sarkis Kuegec, Anto Kösedag and Hacik Canel have quit their participation in the activities of the board.
The development comes two days after Archbishop Ateshian, Bishop Sahak Mashalian, Bedros Sirinoglu, Board of Trustee President of Surb Brkich Hospital, and as well as head of the board Sargis Kulegech met with Governor Vasip Shahin of Istanbul. The meeting took place in the absence of Locum Tenens Karekin Bekciyan, who is currently in Germany. Bekçiyan is expected to return to Istanbul on October 30.
The statement made after the meeting read: “Mr. Governor exchanged views on recent developments in Patriarchal elections, acquired knowledge and gave advice on the sentiments of the State.”
Bedros Sirinoglu, who participated in the meeting, claimed that the state had objected to some members of board set to organize the Patriarchal elections.
After the meeting at the Governor’s office the board came together on Wednesday evening (25 October) but no post-meeting announcement was made.
