The Central Committee of the ARF in France issued a statement yesterday saying that it is following the story regarding the resignation of Archbishop Norvan Zakarian, Primate of the Armenian Apostolic Church of France, with great concern.

The ARF says that the public resignation of an Armenian Church leader is unprecedented for the Armenian community in France and that it is rife with grave consequences.

Archbishop Zakarian, who has served the Church honourably for the past 45 years, the last seven as Primate, is described as a person who has unified the community and supported efforts regarding the Armenian Cause.

The ARF, in its statement, bemoans the heavy-handed tactics used by Catholicos Garegin II in an attempt to interfere in the internal administration of the French diocese and his inappropriate attitude towards Archbishop Zakarian.

The political party warns that Etchmiadzin’s attempts to force a new Primate on the French-Armenian community is unacceptable and may lead to reopening the tragic divisions of the past.

The ARF calls for calm and introspection at this critical period, arguing that the only resolution is to persuade Archbishop Zakarian to reconsider his resignation decision, while at the same time calling for dialog with Catholicos Garegin II.