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Syrian-Armenian Exit Strategy
Ted Tourian LLM, Sacramento, 25 November 2012
Armenians in Syria need an exit strategy. The Armenians need to leave
Syria before the situation further deteriorates, which could result in
the largest genocidal policy towards Armenians since the 1980's, where
Azerbaijani authorities carried out pogroms against the Armenian
populations in Sumgait and Baku.[1] The implementation of an exit
strategy does not end by helping Armenians flee Syria, but also on the
ability to sustain Armenian refugees afterwards. Consideration must be
given to the following criteria: convincing Armenians in Syria to flee
Syria; where Armenians fleeing Syria can get refugee status; where
Armenians fleeing Syria can get employment in order to sustain
themselves; and where Armenians fleeing Syria can go to protect their
own unique culture.
An Armenian Church After Bombing
I Necessity for an Exit Strategy for Syrian-Armenians
Currently, there are at least 60,000 ethnic Armenians living in
Syria.[2] For the most part, Armenians have stayed neutral to the
sectarian violence engulfing Syria.[3] The ability of the Armenians to
defend themselves in Syria is not feasible. Currently, the only real
fighting force defending Armenians are Armenians themselves;
merchants, who have been given munitions by a retreating Syrian
Army.[4]
Contrasting the civilian Armenian population defending themselves is
the "Free Syrian Army" (FSA). The FSA is largely composed of foreign
fighters, coming from places like Afghanistan, Chechnya, Pakistan, and
Saudi Arabia.[5] These fighters are trained in Turkey.[6] These
countries have continually engaged in some form of anti-Armenianism,
and it would be naïve to think that if given the chance, soldiers from
these countries would abstain from a policy of exterminating
Armenians.[7]
In recent weeks, the FSA has directed its ire towards Armenians. For
instance, the FSA targeted and destroyed St. Gevorg church in Aleppo's
Armenian-populated district of Nor Kyugh.[8] Armenians are targeted by
the FSA for their historical allegiance to the Assad regime:[9]
Nine Christian men, including seven ethnic Armenians, were ordered off
the bus while the gunmen checked IDs, according to Mark, who was
mistaken as the driver's assistant and spared interrogation.
"Get off. You're with Bashar too," they told a Kurdish man who tried
to intervene, referring to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.
(Emphasis added.)
The former Armenian ambassador to Lebanon, Arman Navasardyan, has
already warned that if Bashar al-Assad's regime falls, Armenians in
Syria face a `St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre' if they are not
evacuated.[10] These recent events bring Navasardyan's prediction much
closer to fruition.
II Implementation of an Exit Strategy
The implementation of an exit strategy is complicated. The following
section discusses the necessary steps that must be considered in order
to implement a successful exit strategy for Armenians in Syria:[11] a)
convincing Armenians in and out of Syria that leaving Syria is
necessary; b) procedural considerations concerning potential new
destinations for Armenian refugees; c) sustaining Armenian refugees
outside Syria; and d) protecting the unique culture of Syrian
Armenians. Ultimately, executing a successful exit strategy is more
art than science.
Convincing Armenians In and Out of Syria that Leaving Syria is Necessary:
A successful exit strategy is as much dependent on the will of those
fleeing. It is absolutely necessary to get Armenians in Syria to
recognize the importance of leaving Syria, even if it means leaving
behind homes, businesses, or a life that cannot be replicated anywhere
else. Convincing any potential refugee to flee requires the upmost
sensitivity especially when that potential refugee may be blinded by
the aforementioned attachments.
This is the current dilemma facing Armenians in Syria today: would we
rather die in Syria, or move somewhere else?[12] Convincing a person
to leave a home, a business that their grandparents started after the
genocide is not easy,[13] but necessary in order to avoid a worse fate
that waits for any minority if Bashar al-Assad's government is
toppled.
Equally difficult is convincing outside Armenian institutions that the
time has come for Armenians in Syria to leave. For instance, would the
Republic of Armenia welcome mass migration of one of the strongest
Armenian Diaspora's?[14] Mass migration of the Armenian Syrian
Diaspora weakens the Republic of Armenia's potential relations with
Syria both during and at the conclusion of the war.[15] Are
traditional organizations like the Armenian Apostolic Church, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) or the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) in favor of evacuating Armenians in Syria when such
organizations have substantial properties in Syria? Who better to be
caretakers of its properties than Armenians armed with a slingshot,
refusing to leave Syria, while an FSA-like Goliath trained by
professional Turkish forces bears down?[16]
Decisions to let go of the material are difficult. Individuals leaving
everything behind, and the institutions tasked with serving the
Armenian nation, must ask what Ruskin asks "[n]ow, as he was sinking,
had he [sunk] the gold? Or had the gold [sunk] him?"
Procedural Considerations Concerning Potential New Destinations for
Armenian Refugees:
Discussion has already been made of where potential Armenian refugees
should move: Akhalkalaki;[17] Armenia;[18] Cyprus;[19] Lebanon;[20]
the Republic of Nagarno-Karbagh;[21] and the west.[22] Each
destination offers its own positives and negatives.
In order for a successful exit strategy to take place, procedural
considerations need to be adhered to. This includes securing visa and
passport requirements. Recently, the Republic of Armenia has eased
visa and passport requirements for Armenians fleeing sectarian
violence in Syria, and neighboring countries.[23] However, entry
requirements with respect to other countries have not been simplified.
For instance, an Armenian refugee leaving for Cyprus does not need a
passport provided they have the necessary documents issued to
stateless persons and recognized refugees.[24] How does a
Syrian-Armenian refugee become recognized as a refugee in Cyprus?
These procedural obstacles can be a nightmare, especially for
Syrian-Armenians facing sectarian violence, or Armenian Diaspora
organizations ill-equipped to deal with legalese, and are looking to
help evacuate Syrian-Armenians.
Fortunately, potential Armenian refugees and Armenian Diaspora
organizations trying to mobilize can rely on the Armenian Bar
Association (ABA). The ABA recently wrote a letter to United Nations
Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, advocating the plight of Armenians in
Syria.[25] In describing itself as `the largest organized group of
Armenian Diasporan attorneys, judges and law students in the world,'
and showing continued concern for the plight of Armenians in
Syria,[26] Armenian organizations should not hesitate to contact the
ABA and request pro bono assistance with respect to any potential
legal barriers that exist in evacuating Armenians facing sectarian
strife.[27]
Sustaining Armenian Refugees Outside Syria:
The next question is sustaining Armenian refugees outside Syria. The
Armenian government has already taken several positive steps forward.
For instance, the Armenian government has recently exempted taxation
of Armenians fleeing Syria,[28] and offered to provide Armenians
fleeing Syria with apartments and jobs.[29] This is in stark contrast
to help Armenia was initially providing, where Armenians fleeing Syria
`coincidentally' saw a 20 percent increase in housing prices when
seeking refuge in Armenia.[30]
However, labor mobility will become the biggest difficulty. For
instance, some reports state that there are 10,000 Armenian jewelers
potentially leaving Syria.[31] Armenia, already a country known for
jewelers, recently saw a 60 percent drop of sales in diamond
polishing.[32] Realistically speaking, Armenia cannot afford more
jewelers flooding its already declining market.
If Armenians fleeing Syria repatriate to Akhalkalaki, Armenia, or the
Republic of Nagarno-Karabagh, questions needing to be addressed are
what skill sets do these refugees possess that can make them useful
members of their new society? Can their skills be transferred to their
potential new homes? Are there options to train refugee Armenians with
a new skill-set to make them valuable to their potential new homes?
Most Armenian Diaspora organizations have allocated resources on the
presumption that Armenians in Syria must remain in Syria. A quick
search of aid efforts reveals that all help received by
Syrian-Armenians is designed to ensure that the Armenian population in
Syria remains in Syria: the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) has focused
its charitable donations to cover the tuitions of students in order to
alleviate the financial burden to be faced by parents and, at the same
time, to fund schools;[33] AGBU has provided relief with food,
medicine, shelter, water and energy to thousands of Armenian families
in various cities, with local youth from our Chapters mobilizing as
volunteers;[34] the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund's assistance will be
used for food, medicine, temporary shelter, emergency medical and
other critical humanitarian expenses by the united committees
established by the Syrian-Armenian communities in accordance with
local needs.[35]
All aid is important concerning the plight of Syrian-Armenians. It
cannot be stressed enough that this article is not intended to slight
in any way, any group helping Syrian-Armenians. What this article
hopefully tries to do is state that allocating resources to ensure
Armenians stay in Syria is not efficient.[36] As discussed above, if
Bashar al-Assad's regime falls, there is a very strong possibility
ethnic Armenians will be subject to the worst pogroms since Sumgait.
The result will be that aid initially assigned for the purposes of
ensuring the Armenian population remains in Syria will have gone to
waste. Only the Armenian government will have tried to hedge its bets
by trying to accommodate Syrian-Armenian refugees.
Protection of the Unique Culture of Syrian Armenians:
Syrian-Armenian culture is steeped in history and tradition. Kesab has
been an Armenian center, shielding Armenians from Ottoman Turk
persecutions. Aleppo has been a historic Armenian Diaspora city, with
many middle class Armenians.[37] The Syrian-Armenian community `has
been a crucible that has forged many great leaders for the
diaspora.'[38] Any potential recommended migrations must take into
account the uniqueness of the Armenians living in Syria. The following
section provides examples of locations and considerations that need to
be taken into account
Akhalkalaki and the Republic of Nagarno-Karabagh are suitable for
Armenians in Syria who come from villages like Yacoubiyah or Kesab.
Armenians from larger cities like Damascus or Aleppo could be absorbed
in Yerevan. However, relying only on Yerevan would be detrimental.
With respect to Syrian Armenians en masse fleeing to Armenia, ARF
Bureau representative Hrant Markarian said it best that Armenia may
not be able to fully absorb all Syrian Armenian migrants: `Let's be
fair and recognize that unfortunately our country is not the sort of
country that can handle a large number of refugees.'[39]
Relocation is also possible to other near-east countries such as
Cyprus. Cyprus already has some infrastructure ready to help absorb
fleeing Armenians, such as the currently unused Melkonian Educational
Institute. However, full absorption of Armenian refugees to Cyprus may
not be feasible due to the relatively higher value of the Euro as
compared to the Syrian pound, which might further erode the living
standards of Syrian-Armenian refugees. Furthermore, migration of
Syrian-Armenians to western countries comes with the risk of `white
genocide.'[40]
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumgait_pogrom
[2] http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2012/08/19/233028.html
[3] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9539244/Syria-Christians-take-up-arms-for-first-time.html
[4] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPPtwc6CdLw
[5] http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2012/09/25/who-are-the-syrian-rebels/
[6] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19124810
[7] For instance, Afghanistani Mujahadeen and Chechen fighters were
enlisted to fight ethnic Armenians in the Republic of Nagarno
Karabagh, and its quest for self-determination
(http://www.azad-hye.net/article/article_view.asp?re=985ghs92; Yossef
Bodansky (2008). Chechen Jihad: Al Qaeda's Training Ground and the
Next Wave of Terror (reprint ed.). HarperCollins. p. 36. ISBN
0-06-142977-5. Retrieved 14 August 2011.); Pakistan is the only
country in the world that does not recognize Armenia's independence in
protest over the Republic of Nagarno Karabagh's victory of
self-determination (http://www.today.az/news/politics/30102.html);
Saudi Arabia and Armenia do not have diplomatic relations
(http://www.mfa.am/en/country-by-country/sa/); It is historical fact
that the Ottoman Empire (precursor to the Republic of Turkey)
committed genocide against Armenians
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Genocide).
[8] http://www.aina.org/news/20121103174722.htm
[9] http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-02/193661-extortio...
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)
[10] http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/126464/
[11] It should be kept in mind that this analysis is a blue-print, and
subject to change should the situation demand it.
[12] http://armenpress.am/eng/news/697326/the-majority-of-the-syrian-armenians-do-not-want-to-leave-syria.html
[13] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-plight-of-syrias-christians-we-left-homs-because-they-were-trying-to-kill-us-8274710.html
[14] http://hetq.am/eng/news/20196/president-sargsyan-we-are-not-urging-our-brothers-to-leave-syria.html
[15] http://www.tert.am/en/news/2012/07/21/siria-haj/
[16] David does not always beat Goliath.
[17] http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65669
[18] http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=429908
[19] http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jun-27/178400-cyprus-says-ready-to-evacuate-refugees-from-syria.ashx
(Cyprus says it's ready to evacuate refugees from Syria; not just
Armenians.)
[20] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18929940 (Syrians en
masse leaving for Lebanon; not just Armenians.)
[21] http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65757
[22] For instance, Canada pushing Syrians who have family in Canada to
immigrate to Canada
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/a-team-canada-plan-for-syria/article4701907/);
Switzerland is accepting Syrian refugees
(http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Swiss_consider_accepting_Syrian_refugees.html?cid= 32282134);
pressure being put on the European Union to accept more Syrian
refugees (http://www.neurope.eu/article/humanitarian-organizations-call-eu-protect-syrian-refugees);
Canada pushing Syrians who have family in Canada to immigrate to
Canada (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/a-team-canada-plan-for-syria/article4701907/);
[23] http://www.mirrorspectator.com/2012/08/15/visa-passport-requirements-eased-for-syrian-armenians/
[24] http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/0/BCD9E71A8FBBA8DCC225720B001D9AFE?OpenDocument
[25] http://hetq.am/eng/news/18687/armenian-bar-association-urges-un-secretary-general-to-protect-syrian-armenians.html
[26] http://www.armenianbar.com/news/show/233/1
[27] Refusing to provide pro bono assistance in such circumstances
would be tantamount to making the ABA's letter to the UN Secretary
General meaningless.
[28] http://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/22069/
[29] http://armenpress.am/eng/news/698048/issues-on-providing-syrian-armenian-with-apartments-and-jobs-have-been-discussed.html
[30] http://www.rferl.org/content/syria-armenia-housing-market/24685725.html
[31] http://news.am/eng/news/126555.html
[32] http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/english/News.aspx?boneId`8&objid=12020
[33] http://ars1910.org/?p=2155
[34] http://agbu.org/syriarelief/index.html
[35] http://www.syrianarmenianrelieffund.org/about.php
[36] It should be noted that Armenian charitable organizations making
the decision to allocate resources on the presumption that Armenians
in Syria remain in Syria was probably made before the FSA began
directing operations against Armenians.
[37] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYoCbAmOBzw
[38] http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/10/11/chicago-holds-rally-in-support-of-syrian-armenians/
[39] http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/07/27/the-syrian-armenian-dilemma-community-preservation-or-out-migration/
[40] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Genocide#cite_note-0
http://www.keghart.com/Tourian-SyrianArmenians
Ted Tourian LLM, Sacramento, 25 November 2012
Armenians in Syria need an exit strategy. The Armenians need to leave
Syria before the situation further deteriorates, which could result in
the largest genocidal policy towards Armenians since the 1980's, where
Azerbaijani authorities carried out pogroms against the Armenian
populations in Sumgait and Baku.[1] The implementation of an exit
strategy does not end by helping Armenians flee Syria, but also on the
ability to sustain Armenian refugees afterwards. Consideration must be
given to the following criteria: convincing Armenians in Syria to flee
Syria; where Armenians fleeing Syria can get refugee status; where
Armenians fleeing Syria can get employment in order to sustain
themselves; and where Armenians fleeing Syria can go to protect their
own unique culture.
An Armenian Church After Bombing
I Necessity for an Exit Strategy for Syrian-Armenians
Currently, there are at least 60,000 ethnic Armenians living in
Syria.[2] For the most part, Armenians have stayed neutral to the
sectarian violence engulfing Syria.[3] The ability of the Armenians to
defend themselves in Syria is not feasible. Currently, the only real
fighting force defending Armenians are Armenians themselves;
merchants, who have been given munitions by a retreating Syrian
Army.[4]
Contrasting the civilian Armenian population defending themselves is
the "Free Syrian Army" (FSA). The FSA is largely composed of foreign
fighters, coming from places like Afghanistan, Chechnya, Pakistan, and
Saudi Arabia.[5] These fighters are trained in Turkey.[6] These
countries have continually engaged in some form of anti-Armenianism,
and it would be naïve to think that if given the chance, soldiers from
these countries would abstain from a policy of exterminating
Armenians.[7]
In recent weeks, the FSA has directed its ire towards Armenians. For
instance, the FSA targeted and destroyed St. Gevorg church in Aleppo's
Armenian-populated district of Nor Kyugh.[8] Armenians are targeted by
the FSA for their historical allegiance to the Assad regime:[9]
Nine Christian men, including seven ethnic Armenians, were ordered off
the bus while the gunmen checked IDs, according to Mark, who was
mistaken as the driver's assistant and spared interrogation.
"Get off. You're with Bashar too," they told a Kurdish man who tried
to intervene, referring to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad.
(Emphasis added.)
The former Armenian ambassador to Lebanon, Arman Navasardyan, has
already warned that if Bashar al-Assad's regime falls, Armenians in
Syria face a `St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre' if they are not
evacuated.[10] These recent events bring Navasardyan's prediction much
closer to fruition.
II Implementation of an Exit Strategy
The implementation of an exit strategy is complicated. The following
section discusses the necessary steps that must be considered in order
to implement a successful exit strategy for Armenians in Syria:[11] a)
convincing Armenians in and out of Syria that leaving Syria is
necessary; b) procedural considerations concerning potential new
destinations for Armenian refugees; c) sustaining Armenian refugees
outside Syria; and d) protecting the unique culture of Syrian
Armenians. Ultimately, executing a successful exit strategy is more
art than science.
Convincing Armenians In and Out of Syria that Leaving Syria is Necessary:
A successful exit strategy is as much dependent on the will of those
fleeing. It is absolutely necessary to get Armenians in Syria to
recognize the importance of leaving Syria, even if it means leaving
behind homes, businesses, or a life that cannot be replicated anywhere
else. Convincing any potential refugee to flee requires the upmost
sensitivity especially when that potential refugee may be blinded by
the aforementioned attachments.
This is the current dilemma facing Armenians in Syria today: would we
rather die in Syria, or move somewhere else?[12] Convincing a person
to leave a home, a business that their grandparents started after the
genocide is not easy,[13] but necessary in order to avoid a worse fate
that waits for any minority if Bashar al-Assad's government is
toppled.
Equally difficult is convincing outside Armenian institutions that the
time has come for Armenians in Syria to leave. For instance, would the
Republic of Armenia welcome mass migration of one of the strongest
Armenian Diaspora's?[14] Mass migration of the Armenian Syrian
Diaspora weakens the Republic of Armenia's potential relations with
Syria both during and at the conclusion of the war.[15] Are
traditional organizations like the Armenian Apostolic Church, the
Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU) or the Armenian Revolutionary
Federation (ARF) in favor of evacuating Armenians in Syria when such
organizations have substantial properties in Syria? Who better to be
caretakers of its properties than Armenians armed with a slingshot,
refusing to leave Syria, while an FSA-like Goliath trained by
professional Turkish forces bears down?[16]
Decisions to let go of the material are difficult. Individuals leaving
everything behind, and the institutions tasked with serving the
Armenian nation, must ask what Ruskin asks "[n]ow, as he was sinking,
had he [sunk] the gold? Or had the gold [sunk] him?"
Procedural Considerations Concerning Potential New Destinations for
Armenian Refugees:
Discussion has already been made of where potential Armenian refugees
should move: Akhalkalaki;[17] Armenia;[18] Cyprus;[19] Lebanon;[20]
the Republic of Nagarno-Karbagh;[21] and the west.[22] Each
destination offers its own positives and negatives.
In order for a successful exit strategy to take place, procedural
considerations need to be adhered to. This includes securing visa and
passport requirements. Recently, the Republic of Armenia has eased
visa and passport requirements for Armenians fleeing sectarian
violence in Syria, and neighboring countries.[23] However, entry
requirements with respect to other countries have not been simplified.
For instance, an Armenian refugee leaving for Cyprus does not need a
passport provided they have the necessary documents issued to
stateless persons and recognized refugees.[24] How does a
Syrian-Armenian refugee become recognized as a refugee in Cyprus?
These procedural obstacles can be a nightmare, especially for
Syrian-Armenians facing sectarian violence, or Armenian Diaspora
organizations ill-equipped to deal with legalese, and are looking to
help evacuate Syrian-Armenians.
Fortunately, potential Armenian refugees and Armenian Diaspora
organizations trying to mobilize can rely on the Armenian Bar
Association (ABA). The ABA recently wrote a letter to United Nations
Secretary General, Ban Ki-Moon, advocating the plight of Armenians in
Syria.[25] In describing itself as `the largest organized group of
Armenian Diasporan attorneys, judges and law students in the world,'
and showing continued concern for the plight of Armenians in
Syria,[26] Armenian organizations should not hesitate to contact the
ABA and request pro bono assistance with respect to any potential
legal barriers that exist in evacuating Armenians facing sectarian
strife.[27]
Sustaining Armenian Refugees Outside Syria:
The next question is sustaining Armenian refugees outside Syria. The
Armenian government has already taken several positive steps forward.
For instance, the Armenian government has recently exempted taxation
of Armenians fleeing Syria,[28] and offered to provide Armenians
fleeing Syria with apartments and jobs.[29] This is in stark contrast
to help Armenia was initially providing, where Armenians fleeing Syria
`coincidentally' saw a 20 percent increase in housing prices when
seeking refuge in Armenia.[30]
However, labor mobility will become the biggest difficulty. For
instance, some reports state that there are 10,000 Armenian jewelers
potentially leaving Syria.[31] Armenia, already a country known for
jewelers, recently saw a 60 percent drop of sales in diamond
polishing.[32] Realistically speaking, Armenia cannot afford more
jewelers flooding its already declining market.
If Armenians fleeing Syria repatriate to Akhalkalaki, Armenia, or the
Republic of Nagarno-Karabagh, questions needing to be addressed are
what skill sets do these refugees possess that can make them useful
members of their new society? Can their skills be transferred to their
potential new homes? Are there options to train refugee Armenians with
a new skill-set to make them valuable to their potential new homes?
Most Armenian Diaspora organizations have allocated resources on the
presumption that Armenians in Syria must remain in Syria. A quick
search of aid efforts reveals that all help received by
Syrian-Armenians is designed to ensure that the Armenian population in
Syria remains in Syria: the Armenian Relief Society (ARS) has focused
its charitable donations to cover the tuitions of students in order to
alleviate the financial burden to be faced by parents and, at the same
time, to fund schools;[33] AGBU has provided relief with food,
medicine, shelter, water and energy to thousands of Armenian families
in various cities, with local youth from our Chapters mobilizing as
volunteers;[34] the Syrian Armenian Relief Fund's assistance will be
used for food, medicine, temporary shelter, emergency medical and
other critical humanitarian expenses by the united committees
established by the Syrian-Armenian communities in accordance with
local needs.[35]
All aid is important concerning the plight of Syrian-Armenians. It
cannot be stressed enough that this article is not intended to slight
in any way, any group helping Syrian-Armenians. What this article
hopefully tries to do is state that allocating resources to ensure
Armenians stay in Syria is not efficient.[36] As discussed above, if
Bashar al-Assad's regime falls, there is a very strong possibility
ethnic Armenians will be subject to the worst pogroms since Sumgait.
The result will be that aid initially assigned for the purposes of
ensuring the Armenian population remains in Syria will have gone to
waste. Only the Armenian government will have tried to hedge its bets
by trying to accommodate Syrian-Armenian refugees.
Protection of the Unique Culture of Syrian Armenians:
Syrian-Armenian culture is steeped in history and tradition. Kesab has
been an Armenian center, shielding Armenians from Ottoman Turk
persecutions. Aleppo has been a historic Armenian Diaspora city, with
many middle class Armenians.[37] The Syrian-Armenian community `has
been a crucible that has forged many great leaders for the
diaspora.'[38] Any potential recommended migrations must take into
account the uniqueness of the Armenians living in Syria. The following
section provides examples of locations and considerations that need to
be taken into account
Akhalkalaki and the Republic of Nagarno-Karabagh are suitable for
Armenians in Syria who come from villages like Yacoubiyah or Kesab.
Armenians from larger cities like Damascus or Aleppo could be absorbed
in Yerevan. However, relying only on Yerevan would be detrimental.
With respect to Syrian Armenians en masse fleeing to Armenia, ARF
Bureau representative Hrant Markarian said it best that Armenia may
not be able to fully absorb all Syrian Armenian migrants: `Let's be
fair and recognize that unfortunately our country is not the sort of
country that can handle a large number of refugees.'[39]
Relocation is also possible to other near-east countries such as
Cyprus. Cyprus already has some infrastructure ready to help absorb
fleeing Armenians, such as the currently unused Melkonian Educational
Institute. However, full absorption of Armenian refugees to Cyprus may
not be feasible due to the relatively higher value of the Euro as
compared to the Syrian pound, which might further erode the living
standards of Syrian-Armenian refugees. Furthermore, migration of
Syrian-Armenians to western countries comes with the risk of `white
genocide.'[40]
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sumgait_pogrom
[2] http://english.alarabiya.net/views/2012/08/19/233028.html
[3] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/9539244/Syria-Christians-take-up-arms-for-first-time.html
[4] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPPtwc6CdLw
[5] http://blogs.the-american-interest.com/wrm/2012/09/25/who-are-the-syrian-rebels/
[6] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-19124810
[7] For instance, Afghanistani Mujahadeen and Chechen fighters were
enlisted to fight ethnic Armenians in the Republic of Nagarno
Karabagh, and its quest for self-determination
(http://www.azad-hye.net/article/article_view.asp?re=985ghs92; Yossef
Bodansky (2008). Chechen Jihad: Al Qaeda's Training Ground and the
Next Wave of Terror (reprint ed.). HarperCollins. p. 36. ISBN
0-06-142977-5. Retrieved 14 August 2011.); Pakistan is the only
country in the world that does not recognize Armenia's independence in
protest over the Republic of Nagarno Karabagh's victory of
self-determination (http://www.today.az/news/politics/30102.html);
Saudi Arabia and Armenia do not have diplomatic relations
(http://www.mfa.am/en/country-by-country/sa/); It is historical fact
that the Ottoman Empire (precursor to the Republic of Turkey)
committed genocide against Armenians
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenian_Genocide).
[8] http://www.aina.org/news/20121103174722.htm
[9] http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Nov-02/193661-extortio...
(The Daily Star :: Lebanon News :: http://www.dailystar.com.lb)
[10] http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/126464/
[11] It should be kept in mind that this analysis is a blue-print, and
subject to change should the situation demand it.
[12] http://armenpress.am/eng/news/697326/the-majority-of-the-syrian-armenians-do-not-want-to-leave-syria.html
[13] http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/the-plight-of-syrias-christians-we-left-homs-because-they-were-trying-to-kill-us-8274710.html
[14] http://hetq.am/eng/news/20196/president-sargsyan-we-are-not-urging-our-brothers-to-leave-syria.html
[15] http://www.tert.am/en/news/2012/07/21/siria-haj/
[16] David does not always beat Goliath.
[17] http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65669
[18] http://www.nowlebanon.com/NewsArchiveDetails.aspx?ID=429908
[19] http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2012/Jun-27/178400-cyprus-says-ready-to-evacuate-refugees-from-syria.ashx
(Cyprus says it's ready to evacuate refugees from Syria; not just
Armenians.)
[20] http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-18929940 (Syrians en
masse leaving for Lebanon; not just Armenians.)
[21] http://www.eurasianet.org/node/65757
[22] For instance, Canada pushing Syrians who have family in Canada to
immigrate to Canada
(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/a-team-canada-plan-for-syria/article4701907/);
Switzerland is accepting Syrian refugees
(http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/Swiss_consider_accepting_Syrian_refugees.html?cid= 32282134);
pressure being put on the European Union to accept more Syrian
refugees (http://www.neurope.eu/article/humanitarian-organizations-call-eu-protect-syrian-refugees);
Canada pushing Syrians who have family in Canada to immigrate to
Canada (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/a-team-canada-plan-for-syria/article4701907/);
[23] http://www.mirrorspectator.com/2012/08/15/visa-passport-requirements-eased-for-syrian-armenians/
[24] http://www.mfa.gov.cy/mfa/mfa2006.nsf/0/BCD9E71A8FBBA8DCC225720B001D9AFE?OpenDocument
[25] http://hetq.am/eng/news/18687/armenian-bar-association-urges-un-secretary-general-to-protect-syrian-armenians.html
[26] http://www.armenianbar.com/news/show/233/1
[27] Refusing to provide pro bono assistance in such circumstances
would be tantamount to making the ABA's letter to the UN Secretary
General meaningless.
[28] http://www.eng.kavkaz-uzel.ru/articles/22069/
[29] http://armenpress.am/eng/news/698048/issues-on-providing-syrian-armenian-with-apartments-and-jobs-have-been-discussed.html
[30] http://www.rferl.org/content/syria-armenia-housing-market/24685725.html
[31] http://news.am/eng/news/126555.html
[32] http://www.israelidiamond.co.il/english/News.aspx?boneId`8&objid=12020
[33] http://ars1910.org/?p=2155
[34] http://agbu.org/syriarelief/index.html
[35] http://www.syrianarmenianrelieffund.org/about.php
[36] It should be noted that Armenian charitable organizations making
the decision to allocate resources on the presumption that Armenians
in Syria remain in Syria was probably made before the FSA began
directing operations against Armenians.
[37] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYoCbAmOBzw
[38] http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/10/11/chicago-holds-rally-in-support-of-syrian-armenians/
[39] http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/07/27/the-syrian-armenian-dilemma-community-preservation-or-out-migration/
[40] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Genocide#cite_note-0
http://www.keghart.com/Tourian-SyrianArmenians