Armenia should develop ‘Clear Plan’ for Syrian-Armenians

By Asbarez | Friday, 14 October 2016

Razmik Panossian (Source: Mediamax)

Razmik Panossian (Source: Mediamax)

YEREVAN (Mediamax)—Head of the Armenian Communities Department of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Razmik Panossian thinks that the Armenian Government should develop a clear plan for supporting Armenians in Syria to be introduced to international organizations.

“Crisis prevails now, and if the situation in Aleppo continues this way, it will get worse in the next several months,” Panossian said.

Panossian emphasized that “Urgent support should be provided for the Syrian-Armenians wishing to come to Armenia.”

“We try to support Syrian-Armenians living in Syria, as well as those established in Armenia. We work with Armenian Ministry of Diaspora and UN bodies,” he said.

The representative of Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation remarked that “The situation of Syrian-Armenians who have lived in war for five years now is really complicated, and it is very difficult to say what will happen and what the right solution is.”

In February 2016, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini suggested that Armenia negotiate a special package with the EU aimed at helping Armenians move from Syria to Armenia and creating new jobs for them.

“European public opinion too often forgets that we are not the only ones to be touched by the current refugee crisis: small countries like yours are showing great solidarity to those who are fleeing war and destruction. Your efforts for protection and integration tell us that the rich and powerful Europe cannot be afraid of welcoming our Syrian friends. As you know, the EU and I personally are putting our best efforts to bring the conflict to an end, but also not to lose entire generations of Syrian refugees to war and despair. Last month, in London, we have announced that we are mobilizing €3 billion for Syrians in their country and abroad. We are financing a number of projects for education, jobs and for supporting the host communities. We will make sure that part of this support contributes also to your generous solidarity.”

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