YEREVAN. – The Syrian crisis has both direct and indirect impact on Armenia, Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan said in an interview with public television.

“We have serious concerns over the safety of our compatriots in Syria. We have provided assistance and continue doing so. We cannot stay indifferent,” the minister said, when asked about speculations that Russia wants to drag Armenia into the Syrian crisis.

Mnatsakanyan argues that it will be exclusively humanitarian mission and will involve doctors, engineers and de-miners.

“That is specialists directly linked to security issues. It is our sovereign right. The crisis has an impact on our foreign policy as well, and we take this into account,” he added.

Armenia has previously sent humanitarian cargo to Syria with the help of Russia on several occasions.