"We are citizens of Iraq and we have been in this land, our home, for millennia. Politicians leading the country say they hope that Christians will remain in the country and continue to contribute. We ask them not to remain in good intentions, but to put them into practice through works."

"We Christians are the ancient inhabitants of this land, not only in Iraq but throughout the Middle East. Our presence goes back many centuries. In Iraq, we have always lived in the name of brotherhood and coexistence with other religious communities. We have lived together for centuries, but now our presence is endangered. We have helped to shape and fertilize the land, spreading peace, love, justice. And we want to continue to do so in the future."

"Our culture, architecture, music and everything else is based on Christ. Faith is part of the Armenian identity, so in case of a vacuum in reign or political leadership, the Church is the driving force."

"The Armenian Church should save nothing on Armenian upbringing and spiritual integrity of the young generation."

"The greatest guarantee for the preservation of a person’s identity is language and faith, and all Armenians must carry these two values."

"The Armenian Patriarchate of Constantinople can become a spiritual and cultural bridge among Yerevan, Ankara and the Armenian Diaspora."

"Today we must secure not a clash between civilizations, but a reconciliation and bringing together of the values of Islam and Christianity."

"The loss of historical memory is restored in the very place where one has lost it."

"Hrant Dink has sacrificed his life and become a target for the sake of justice, truth and tolerance."

"I want to set up a warm and fruitful dialogue. I see that there is no trust between upper level politicians of Turkey and Armenia, but there is trust between the people. People of both countries come together frequently anyways."

"Let politicians deal with politics. I will put effort into enhancing the dialogue between the Turkish and Armenian peoples."