2 minute read
YEREVAN, MARCH 31, ARMENPRESS. The Syrian Armenian community is on the verge of extinction; Armenian cultural heritage is being destroyed and looted. This is a challenge that we have to withstand jointly, President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan said in a meeting with representatives of Armenian community on the east coast. “Here we all bear responsibility, the state, the Diaspora and all our communities. I assure you that the Armenian authorities spare no efforts to ensure dignified life for the 20 thousand Syrian Armenians in Armenia. We grant them citizenship immediately, assist in solving educational and health issues, help to establish business, and settle in Armenia. I am glad that the Armenian community of the USA periodically organizes telethons and fundraisings for the support of Syrian Armenians, and thank to those donations it becomes possible to ease the lives of our compatriots not only in Syria but other countries that have provided them with shelter. Let’s jointly help them to settle in Armenia. Of course, it is a scourge for us to see the elimination of Armenian communities in the Middle East. But, maybe, it would be the least-evil solution if the members of that community settled in Armenia. It would be to some extent consolation for us. The loss of that prosperous community is a real grieve for us, but we must do our best that at least those who leave that country, move to Armenia”, “Armenpress” reports the President saying.
He assured that the assistance rendered to the Syrian Armenians is not viewed by the state a s a demonstration of good will, but as a direct commitment of the Republic of Armenia. “Yes, our country is obliged to give hand to our compatriots that have appeared in a difficult situation. We realize very well that the Motherland is obliged to help the Diaspora as much as the Diaspora helps the Motherland”, Serzh Sargsyan said.