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Syria's Community Leader Discusses Crisis

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  • Syria's Community Leader Discusses Crisis

    SYRIA'S COMMUNITY LEADER DISCUSSES CRISIS

    asbarez
    Monday, July 30th, 2012

    by Ara Khachatourian Share Print

    Syrian-Armenian community leader Jirair Rayisian

    YEREVAN, ALEPPO (Yerkir)-There is no threat that the Armenian community
    in Syria will be displaced or vacated, the spokesperson for the Syrian
    Prelacy, Jirair Reyisian said in an exclusive interview to Yerkir.am
    on Monday.

    As news outlets report on the increasing tensions in Aleppo, Syria's
    largest city and home to the largest concentration of Armenians in
    Syria, the community has taken measures to help, fortify and protect
    the Armenian community there.

    Rayisian 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 the needs of the community are met. Through volunteer neighborhood
    watch groups and organizational centers, the Armenian neighborhoods
    in Aleppo, Damascus and elsewhere are being protected.

    Rayisian explained that the heavy fighting in Aleppo has not yet
    impacted the Armenian neighborhoods, but has made essential supplies
    scarce, with most municipal services, such as garbage collection,
    have been halted. As such, Rayisian 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, generally,
    are 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 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.

    Rayisian 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 to Armenia.

    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, Rayisian 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, Rayisian 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 Rayisian.




    From: A. Papazian
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