ANTELIAS, OCTOBER 13, NOYAN TAPAN. Late October 10 when the Armenia-Turkey protocols were being signed in Zurich, numerous Lebanese Armenians gathered at Mayravank in Antelias to say once again "No" to these protocols, vowing to remain faithful to the holy behest of the Genocide martyrs. The Catholicos of Cilicia Aram I addressed those present, emphasizing the inseparable unity of the Armenian Church and the people. At this crucial moment, he appealed to them to remain faithful to the behest of the 1.5 million martyrs and to assert the infringed national rights. "Today, our people is at a decisive point of its modern history. The Armenian life is in a state of ferment everywhere: all sections of the Armenian people reject the Armenia-Turkey protocols being signed at this moment in Switzerland. Despite the explanations given in this respect, in fact, our people has not been persuaded," Aram I stated. Catholicos of Cilicia also said in his speech: "We say "No" to all those lines of action which try to cause a split in our communities by alienating the Diaspora from Armenia and estranging Armenia from the Diaspora - just as the genocide perpetrator Turkey is trying to do it through its president and prime minister. Despite the difference in opinions, the unity of our people must become a "santum sanctorum" for each Armenian. Being different does not mean not being united: being different does not mean not putting the supreme interests and sacred values of our nation and homeland above any considerations and temporary gains". On behalf of the Catholicosate of Cilicia, Aram I called upon the people "to carry on a united struggle for our fair rights". He stated that "remaining true to its religious mission and national role, the Catholicosate of Cilicia with a renewed faith and resolution must be on our people's side for the assertion of its fair rights". According to a report received from Mayravank in Antelias, this rally, as well as all the meetings held in Lebanon in this connection were organized by the ARF, the Ramkavar Azatakan Party, and the Social Democrat Hunchak Party.

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