Syria's Community Spokesperson Discusses Crisis



There is no threat that the Armenian community in Syria will be displaced or vacated, the spokesperson for the Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo, Jirair Reyisian, said in an exclusive interview to Yerkir.am on Monday, July 30, 2012.

As news outlets report on the increasing tensions and bombings in Aleppo, Syria’s largest city and home to the largest concentration of Armenians in the country, the community has taken measures to help, strenghten and protect itself.

Reyisian explained that, under the auspices of the Prelacy, Armenian organizations, institutions and youth have come together to ensure that community members and others living in these areas are unharmed and their needs are met. Through volunteer neighborhood watch groups and organizational centers, the Armenian neighborhoods in Aleppo, Damascus and elsewhere are being protected.

Reyisian explained that the heavy fighting in Aleppo has not yet impacted the Armenian neighborhoods, but has made essential supplies scarce, while most municipal services, such as garbage collection, have been halted. He said that the area youth have undertaken this effort to ensure that the accumulating trash does not cause spread of diseases and other matters that could complicate the situation.

He also reported that all stores remain closed and people are generally staying home.

The escalating violence in Syria has led to concerns in Armenia and elsewhere about the fate of the important Syrian-Armenian community. Some in Armenia have protested the government, urging immediate action to accommodate Syrian-Armenians who are leaving their communities and seeking refuge there. The Armenian government last week passed measures that significantly ease conditions for acquiring Armenian passports by Lebanese and Syrian citizens.

On the other hand, calls for assistance to the Syrian-Armenian community continue with the Armenian Relief Society establishing a fund in May to secure the needs of the community. His Holiness Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia, has also called for mobilization of all Armenian to help the Syrian Armenian community.

Reyisian said that returning to the homeland and making Armenia their home has always been a dream for every Armenian. But, in practical terms, the current situation in Armenia, as well as the economic conditions in Syria are impeding such mass exodus.

The lack of jobs, resources and an infrastructure in Armenia, coupled with the severe economic crisis in Syria are making it difficult for people to move to Armenia. However, Reyisian said, if the Armenian authorities were to make necessary arrangements, as an emergency and temporary basis, then many Syrian Armenians might consider a relocating to Armenia.

Despite all the difficulties, Reyisian stressed that the Syrian-Armenian community will forever protect the historic community and will continue the unwavering advancement of the historically significant community.

“There is no danger or threat of the Armenian community being emptied, displaced or dissolved,” stressed Reyisian.

"Asbarez," July 30, 2012