Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople condemns Mayor of Bolu for hate  remarks targeting Armenians

ArmInfo. Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople Archbishop Sahak Mashalian has sharply criticized Mayor of Bolu Tanju Ozcan for hate remarks against Armenians.

In his statement, the Armenian Patriarch of Constantinople said, in  particular: "The Armenian community which has lived in these lands  for centuries is an indigenous and integral part of this country.  This ancient people have made important cultural, economic and social  contributions to the development of this land throughout history, and  continue to exist today with the same determination.

The hate speeches of Bolu Mayor Tanju Ozcan against the Armenian  identity, which have been reflected in public opinion in recent days,  are clearly directed not only against the people, but also against  our common past and our will to live together.  Such discourses have  not served brotherhood, unity and social peace in the past, nor they  do so today, and they will not in the future. Legitimizing hate  speech and ignoring discriminatory expressions that threaten social  peace is unacceptable.  In this regard, we call on the authorities  and the public to use more responsible language and to condemn in the  strongest possible terms any discriminatory and exclusive statements  directed against the Armenian community, any nation or race.  The  basis for the coexistence of societies is equality, respect and  common values. Any approach that undermines these principles harms  not only minorities but the entire society."