Armenia supports Lebanese Armenians: High Commissioner Zareh Sinanyan addresses possible evacuation

YEREVAN, OCTOBER 4, ARMENPRESS.The Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia has been closely monitoring the developments of the Lebanese-Israeli conflict from the outset and remains in daily contact with the Armenian community, High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan told Armenpress. He noted that they are working to understand the situation on the ground and assess the community’s needs.

“We are in contact with a wide range of people, various organizations, and individuals to gain a realistic picture. Based on this, we are planning our future activities. The situation is changing rapidly, and I must say there is significant anxiety among the Armenian community, as well as the entire population of Lebanon. However, we do not yet have the critical mass for relocation or evacuation to Armenia, which would require concrete steps by the state," Sinanyan said.

The High Commissioner noted that they are also monitoring flight movements to Beirut, and the data shows that planes arrive in Yerevan full and return to Lebanon more than half full, indicating that the flow of passengers remains two-way. In response to the question of whether the state is prepared to organize the relocation process for those wishing to move to Armenia, Zareh Sinanyan referred to the transfer of Armenians who chose to leave Israel last year.

"Armenia evacuated its compatriots from another country, not just its citizens. The state organized that process at its own expense. We have that experience," said Sinanyan, adding that "the state has demonstrated its readiness to support its people during challenging times when security is at risk. So, I believe nothing has changed in that regard.''