YEREVAN, OCTOBER 28, ARMENPRESS. The election of the Patriarch of Istanbul is not a historical, as it has been described by some experts, but rather it is a normal process which must have been done earlier, Expert on Turkish Studies Ruben Melkonyan told a press conference in “Armenpress”.

“The Supreme Church Council has made a decision to request the Turkish authorities to hold Patriarch elections, whereas, it could be done earlier. The undue delay of the election process cannot have any grounds. Patriarch Mesrop Mutafyan’s health deterioration is not new. His incurable disease has a several years of history, and during those years starting from 2008 the community was led by Patriarchal Vicar Aram Ateshyan. Unfortunately, he didn't solve a number of community issues during those years of leadership, moreover, new problems emerged”, Ruben Melkonyan said.

Melkonyan said the Armenians of Turkey do not have another organizational, governing body. The only structure that can present Armenians’ interests in the Turkish government bodies is the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul. He said the Patriarch is considered as leader.

“During those years there was a gap between the community and the Patriarchate. The community distanced from its main governing body. Aram Ateshyan’s activities caused a certain negative attitude among wide circles of Armenians”, he said.

To the question why at this stage it was decided to elect the Patriarch, Ruben Melkonyan brought two reasons. First reason is associated with the calls of the Holy See on holding elections. Second reason was related to Ateshyan’s reaction over the Bundestag decision on the Armenian Genocide, which aroused the anger of Armenians.

“The pressure that occurred in Armenia, Diaspora, I think, that became the reason for starting the Patriarch’s election process. This is an attempt of easing the tension to some extent”, Ruben Melkonyan said recalling that Arem Ateshyan has repeatedly announced that he is going to request the Turkish authorities over holding elections, but he hasn’t done it yet.

A decision has been made during the October 26 church meeting in the Armenian Patriarchate of Istanbul to request the Turkish authorities to grant a privilege of electing a new patriarch.