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YEREVAN, AUGUST 8, ARMENPRESS. Approximately 150 thousand Armenians are living in Lebanon, Vera Yakubyan of the Armenian National Committee of Middle East told ARMENPRESS. The Armenian community of Lebanon is the largest Armenian community in the Middle East.
“Armenians of Lebanon are involved in the most various fields. We have a political presence in Lebanon, the community is officially recognized, we have a lawmaker in the Parliament and representatives in the Government. I can confidently say all necessary conditions in Lebanon are present for the complete functioning of the community. All this is provided to us by the Lebanese Constitution, we are exercising all rights like others”, Yakubyan said.
According to her, there are Armenian districts, schools, Churches, clubs and unions in Lebanon. Armenians aren’t centralized in just one city or region, the community is present across the entire Lebanon.
Speaking about problems, Yakubyan said main problems are regarding economic issues at this stage. Due to the ongoing war operations in the Middle East several difficulties are seen in conditions.
“Despite the difficulties, we try to assist schools, cultural and sports unions. Now the issue of Syrian-Armenians is also present, but this doesn’t mean we are falling short in another issue. Yes we have difficulties; however we are creating opportunities regarding other issues on agenda. For instance, the issue of supporting Nagorno Karabakh was added to our agenda. And we, along with Syrian-Armenians, delivered assistance. Therefore, as much as the situation is serious in the Middle East, Armenia and Nagorno Karabakh are always on our agenda”, she added.