On June 6, 2025, the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board, Sheikh Allahshukur Pashazade, announced that he does not intend to meet with the Catholicos of All Armenians, Karekin II, despite repeated proposals from the Armenian Apostolic Church.

The statement came amid escalating tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, particularly concerning cultural and religious heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Pashazade, “a meeting with the Catholicos under the current conditions would be inappropriate and premature,” as dialogue is only possible after achieving lasting peace and mutual respect between the sides.

It should be noted that the Armenian side had previously proposed holding an interfaith dialogue as a means of reconciliation and humanitarian engagement. Pashazade had participated in similar meetings in the past, including under the mediation of Russia and international religious organizations. However, since 2023, such contacts have been frozen. Catholicos Karekin II has repeatedly emphasized the importance of spiritual communication between confessions in the region and expressed hope for "peace among nations, based on Christian and Islamic values."

Possible reasons for refusal include:

- Political pressure from Azerbaijan, especially in light of the ongoing conflict and issues concerning cultural heritage in Nagorno-Karabakh;

- A strict stance by Baku on any contacts with Yerevan outside the official political agenda;

- Fear of internal criticism — such gestures could be perceived as concessions within the Azerbaijani Muslim community.

There has been no official comment so far, but sources close to the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin expressed regret over the refusal and stated that “the door for dialogue remains open.”

Pashazade’s refusal highlights how even religious diplomacy in the region remains hostage to geopolitical confrontation. It underscores the depth of the divisions and how difficult achieving sustainable peace is without the involvement of all parties — including religious institutions.

#ARMENIA

#AZERBAIJAN

06.06.2025 07:05