YEREVAN. – The Middle East, where numerous Armenian communities are located, is facing serious crisis, editor of Lebanon-based Armenian daily said.

Shahan Kandaharian, Editor-in-Chief of Aztag daily, noted that Lebanon is under certain influence of military actions in Syria.

“Inter-communal clashes are typical for Lebanon, but they do not spill over to the entire country. The incidents mainly occur in the border areas of the country. Lebanon will not return to civil war, because at the moment the focus is on Syria,” Kandaharian noted.

The editor is convinced that the factor of Turkish influence in Lebanon has changed: “Ankara, feeling that its interests are at stake, has decided to withdraw its troops from the north of Lebanon. In addition, Turkey has closed its cultural centers in the country.”

Kandaharian also noted that Lebanon is the only Arab country that recognized the Armenian Genocide, and it is very difficult for Ankara to maintain anti-Armenian policy in Lebanon.