ArmInfo.The Union of Armenians of Russia made a statement in connection with the disruption of the rally to commemorate the victims of the Armenian Genocide. As noted in the statement, the disruption of the rally was not due to the refusal of Moscow's security structures, but by actions of church representatives.
"The official reason for refusal: concern for the safety of the participants of the action. At the same time, representatives of the church offered to hold a rally in the parking lot of the church, arguing that this territory is owned by the Armenian diocese, which is not true. Thus, holding a rally in the parking lot outside the church building would be considered an unauthorized rally with appropriate sanctions. The real reason is not official.
From conversations with representatives of the church, it became clear that the ban on holding the rally was the decision of the Archbishop Yezras in connection with a personal conflict with one of the chairmen of the partnership organization'', the statement reads. The Union believes that putting the personal interest above the interest of the Armenian people, canceling the event previously agreed in hours before it began, refusing to hold the rally of more than 300 people who are not indifferent to the memory of their ancestors is a depressing fact. "The church is not the property of one person, it is the property of the Armenian people. We sincerely regret that this postulate is not perceived by representatives of our clergy. We are sorry that the Armenian Church, which throughout history has been the center of unity of Armenians, in Moscow today basing on the decision of one person, fails to unite Armenians around itself and contributes to the creation of numerous conflict situations, "the statement reads.