Statement on the conflict between Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh
In the last weeks we have grieved the ongoing hostility and violence on the border of Azerbaijan and Nagorno-Karabakh. Once again, innocent people have died and many men, women and children have been displaced by the horrors of war.
As Church leaders in the Holy Land, we offer our heartfelt condolences to these communities. May those who have lost their lives, rest in peace. And may God bring comfort to the bereaved and healing to the wounded. Together we pray, Lord have mercy.
We call on European leaders, the presidents of Russia and the United States of America and the Secretary General of the United Nations, to intervene at the earliest opportunity. We beseech men and women of influence to work towards an immediate ceasefire and negotiate a lasting peace.
Further violence can only deepen the divisions between Nagorno-Karabakh and Azerbaijan. To this end, we encourage all sides, to heed the words of the prophet Isaiah,
“God will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
Source: Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem
