YEREVAN. – Around 15-20 thousand Armenians live in Syria now, according to preliminary data.

Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Manasaryan described as unfavorable and difficult the state of the Armenian community of Syria.

The official assured that the government is working to make it easier to get Armenian citizenship by Syrian Armenians and to facilitate getting visas.

“We cannot discuss willingness to stay in Syria or leave the country instead of Syrian Armenians. Our doors are open for Syrian Armenians,” Manasaryan emphasized.

As regards the regional visit of the Armenian FM to Lebanon and Syria, Manasaryan said security of Syrian Armenians, as a national minority, will be among the issues to be discussed during the trip.

Commenting on the remark that Armenian-populated districts of Aleppo are targets of rocket attacks, the Deputy Minister said: “These are rather anti-Christian, than anti-Armenian attacks”.