YEREVAN. - President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan on Thursday met with the Syrian Armenian community and a number of representatives of Armenian institutions, as well as benefactors and responsible officials dealing with the community issues.  

The President noted that he has invited the meeting participants to discuss new ideas on support and new programs, as well as to directly learn from Syrian Armenians about the recent developments and current situation and the current needs of the Armenian community in that situation.

“Unfortunately, it has been a long time Syria and especially Aleppo have been discussed in news due to the tragic events taking place there. For us – I mean, Armenians – Syria and Aleppo are not simply names like for many-many others. It is a country, a settlement, where our compatriots live. It is exactly for this reason that our general consulate operates in Aleppo till now, while the diplomatic representatives of all countries left Syria long ago.

I can definitely say that our stance was and till now remains the following: each Syrian Armenian has a right to come to Armenia. Moreover, in case of leaving Syria, it is desirable that they come to Armenia. We are ready to do our best to create at least minimal conditions so that these people can get integrated in our society and be able to solve their issues already on their own,” the President said.

Leader of Beroea Diocese of the Great House of Cilicia, Archbishop Shahan Sarkisian, and other participants of the meeting told the President about their concerns regarding the situation resulting from the war continuing in Syria and proposals on supporting the Syrian Armenian community through joint efforts. They also thanked the President for the consistent compassionate and considerate attitude and support provided to compatriots by Armenia and Armenian institutions for many years.