The Armenian Embassy in China is in touch with the citizens of Armenia living in China, as well as with the authorities of the country, Armenian ambassador to China Sergey Manassarian said in an interview with Armenian News - NEWS.am.
Mr. Ambassador, how many Armenian citizens do live in China, how many of them contacted the embassy, were any special issues raised by Armenian citizens, and was it possible to solve them?
About 470 citizens have already responded to the call of the Armenian Embassy in China to send their data; some of them returned to Armenia these days. However, we think, this does not reflect the overall picture since there are citizens who have not responded to the call of the embassy. As already reported, many have already returned to Armenia. Thus, according to preliminary estimates, 214 citizens returned from China to Armenia from January 25 to February 6. We continue receiving additional information from Armenian citizens, the information replenishes the relevant database of the embassy. Not a single appeal to the embassy (mainly contacted electronically) was left unanswered. Naturally, at the moment, most of the appeals relate to the situation over the spread of a new type of coronavirus, and in each case, the embassy is trying, to consult and resolve the issue within its powers, including through cooperation with the Chinese authorities.
How does the embassy provide communication with Armenian citizens in such a large state? Are there any difficulties? How is the communication maintained?
It is true. The embassy is mainly visited by Armenian citizens residing in Beijing in such a large country. And communication with citizens residing in other cities is provided via phone, e-mail, and social networking platforms and mobile apps with registered Armenian citizens in China as well as embassy diplomats.
There are no problems with providing communication, except for the problems voiced by several citizens in connection with the fixed phone communication, which has been resolved.
One of the citizens has published information that the embassy did not submit an appeal to the Armenian citizens for concrete steps, leaving them to decide their next steps. What was the call and what is it all about?
As I have already noted, appeals in recent days are connected with the situation . The situation changes not day by day, but almost every hour. In such a situation, those who contact the embassy often have disagreements: some of them express a desire to leave China, others clearly say that they feel safe at their place of residence in China and say that the process of moving contains the greatest risks. The situation is explained in detail to each citizen, but the embassy cannot force anyone to make this or that decision. I would like to note that not a single state currently evacuates its citizens from China, except Hubei Province.
Are there any coronavirus-infected Armenians, what steps are being taken to quarantine citizens returning to Armenia?
The embassy has not received yet information about cases of a new type of coronavirus infection among Armenian citizens living in China. And the embassy would be immediately notified in this regard, especially since cases of infection of foreigners are in the focus of the Chinese authorities. Regarding the organization of the quarantine of citizens returning from China to Armenia, I think it is more advisable to contact the health ministry. If I am not mistaken, there has already been a comment from the ministry on this issue.
Do Armenian citizens want to return to Armenia, how many applications for return were submitted to the Armenian Embassy?
Citizens' opinions who addressed the embassy in this regard are mixed. Some citizens say they have no desire to return in the situation created, while others say they will return to Armenia. The questions of the latter mainly concern the route, airlines, conditions in transit countries. Some citizens expressed a desire to immediately return to Armenia.
On February 6, on the instructions of the Armenian MFA, the embassy stated Armenian citizens residing in China and urged to clarify their desire to return to Armenia. As of today, 15 citizens have responded to the application. An appropriate decision will be made after the results are summed up.
Is the possibility of providing financial aid to Armenian citizens experiencing financial difficulties under consideration, and have any relevant requests been received?
As for the financial problems of citizens, such issues were recorded during the first few days. Citizens who have addressed similar questions have already been returned to their homeland. Each such appeal requires special consideration and approach.
A few days ago, Ural Airlines denied transportation of Armenian citizens. What could you say about this, was this question raised by the competent authorities?
According to Ural Airlines, they did not have a regular charter flight, and the situation was the result of a demand from the Chinese side. By the way, it was not only about the Armenian citizens but all foreigners, including citizens of China. The embassy advised citizens that they should try to get compensation on the spot and immediately fly out by Aeroflot's scheduled flight, which has been done. Meanwhile, cases were registered when citizens failed to receive compensation, in connection with which the embassy carried out consistent work and as a result of cooperation with the Armenian embassy in Russia, currently, these citizens can resolve the issue in the Ural Airlines Yerevan office.
The evacuation of two citizens from Wuhan was noted. Are quarantined citizens of Armenia covering their medical expenses themselves, maybe this is one of the reasons for refusing to evacuate?
As we have already reported several times, after the quarantine has been declared, 11 Armenian citizens remained in the closed zone (including a family of Syrian Armenians consisting of four , one of whom has not yet managed to get an Armenian passport). As a result of the work of the MFAs and embassies, two Armenian citizens have been evacuated - to Kazakhstan and Russia. The remaining citizens refused to evacuate for the above-mentioned reasons.
The embassy is in daily contact with citizens remaining in the quarantine zone, and it should be noted that there is no panic among them. Concerning the medical care, the issue should be divided into two parts. Citizens who come to China to study and live in dorms undergo a physical examination every day, and the rooms are disinfected. Citizens who have arrived in China to work on individual contracts and who rent apartments have informed us that representatives of the relevant Chinese bodies visit them once a week to examine them. Public areas in buildings are sanitized daily, and their temperature is measured at the entrance and exit. No additional payments are made.
Special information applications have been created on social platforms (particularly in Alipay), which allow, to receive professional answers if necessary.
What would you advise Armenian citizens in China?
We understand that the situation of Armenian citizens in China during this period, as well as all foreigners, is not easy. We once again urge to avoid panic. Recent evidence suggests that the spread of the virus mainly occurs in Hubei Province. The geography of the spread of the virus is relatively less in other provinces. It is also important to use and disseminate only verified information since panic moods based on incorrect information are formed quite easily in this situation. We also urge, if necessary, to immediately contact the Armenian Embassy in Beijing, which is working 24/7 these days.
