Armenian kidnapped in Damascus set free

YEREVAN, JANAURY 30, ARMENPRESS. Our compatriot Nazareth Charkyan, who had been kidnapped days ago in Damascus, was set free. Our compatriot living in Damascus Nazareth Elmajyan informed "Armenpress" about this. In addition he stated that he has been released after paying the ransom. The amount of ransom has not been clarified yet, it has only been declared that the ransom paid did not match the demanded amount of USD 500 thousand.

Previously on January 23 it was stated that unknown armed men kidnapped Armenian from Damascus Nazareth Charkyan right from his workplace and demanded LS 50 million, which equals approximately to USD 500 thousand.

General situation in capital Damascus is calm; clashes flare up in the villages nearby. Syrian SANA agency states that the governmental forces destroyed vehicles belonging to the rebels, which were exploited to transport arms. A number of armed rebels have been killed and wounded in Duma village. Their weaponry has been confiscated.

In accordance with the UN data clashes lasting about 22 months in Syria caused death of over 60 thousand people, including more than four dozens Armenians.