Following the trilateral meeting of the religious leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia in Baku, a joint declaration was signed, reports Trend.
Commenting on the declaration, Russia’s Patriarch Kirill II said that "it was really good and timely initiative".
He noted that religious leaders do not have the political power to "rule the armed forces". But they can appeal to people using common values understandable to the believers of all religions. He also said
that the fact that the representatives of different religions met and came to an agreement is a very important event.
The head of the Caucasian Muslims Office Sheikh-ul-islam gadji Allahshukur Pashzade, Catholicos of all Armenians Garegin II ,and the Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia held a meeting on the sidelines of the Baku summit.
"The discussion over the Armenian-Azerbaijani, Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has been intensified. Leaders of countries played a significant role," Patriarch Kirill said. He said that despite the difficulties, there was a chance to resolve the conflict.
"We are not political leaders. But as religious leaders, we can influence the resolving of the conflict with our prayers", the patriarch said.
The head of the Caucasian Muslims Office thanked the head of the Russian Orthodox Church for his mediation efforts.
"I believe that all problems in the Caucasus, including the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict will be resolved in a peaceful and fair manner. I am sure that you [Karekin II] will also make efforts to ensure that this issue does not take on a religious character," Pashazade said.
The main thing is to continue efforts towards the resolving of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Karekin II said at the meeting.
"We are servants of the God's Word. As religious leaders we must unite efforts to establish peace in Karabakh. We must prevent the possibility of transforming the conflict into a religious confrontation," Karekin II said.
