BIKFAYA, Lebanon — On Friday, July 5, Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia received a delegation of members of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (ADL) Supreme Council at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya. The delegation was composed of Dr. Hratch Kouyoumjian, chairman, Hagop Vartivarian, vice-chairman, Ardavazt Melkissetian and Edmond Y. Azadian.
During a two-hour session, several topics which concern Armenia and its diaspora were discussed. The delegation expressed its appreciation to the Catholicos for his initiative to hold a pan-Armenian conference of journalists, which brought together representatives of the news media from Armenia and the diaspora. Press representatives of different political parties were also invited. The conference was held in Antelias on July 2-4.
The historical background of the relations of Antelias and Echmiadzin was a topic on the agenda of the discussions. Catholicos Aram, fully cognizant of the ADL position on the issue, gave his interpretations in a frank and open atmosphere, at which he acknowledged the right of the media to constructive criticism.
Relations in Armenia between the church and the citizens as well as relations between the church and the state were of special concern. Measures were discussed to meet the recent challenges in Armenia about current developments in Armenia and the role of political parties and the media in guiding the public on uncharted courses.
Catholicos Aram expressed his appreciation for the initiative that the Council had taken to make the meeting possible. In their turn, the members of the delegation thanked him for including the editors of the ADL press on the invitee list.
