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His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians, on Sunday hosted at the Mother See Member of the European Parliament François-Xavier Bellamy and his colleague, who were accompanied by French Ambassador to Armenia Jonathan Lacôte, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin reported.

Earlier on Sunday, the French guests had attended an Easter Mass at the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Yerevan.

The Armenian religious leader expressed his appreciation to the authorities and people of France for supporting Armenia at all times. He expressed hope that the support of friendly countries would contribute to the stabilization of the situation in the region and the restoration of justice.

MEP François-Xavier Bellamy thanked Karekin II for the Easter wishes and blessings, stating it marked his first visit to Armenia and adding it is a great honor for him to be in the ancient Christian country the people of which carry the victorious values of the resurrection.

The MEP also said the purpose of his visit is to get acquainted with the post-war situation, the current problems, as well as the preservation of the Armenian religious and cultural heritage in Artsakh.

Introducing the damages caused by the recent war in Artsakh and the current challenges, Catholicos Karekin II expressed hope that the aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan and the subsequent developments would receive a proper reaction from the international community and the European Parliament.