YEREVAN. – On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Armenia, I would like to express my condolences to the families of the dead, and wish a speedy recovery to all those injured. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said this at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting, and regarding Tuesday’s powerful and deadly explosion in the Lebanese capital city of Beirut.
"Lebanon is among the closest friends to Armenia. Our two countries and peoples are connected by many historical and cultural ‘threads.’ Beirut was the ‘capital city’ of the 20th-century Armenian diaspora. (…). To this day, it retains its unique significance and huge role as the most important center of the Armenian presence in the Middle East.
At this difficult time, we cannot remain indifferent to the needs of the fraternal people of Lebanon and the Armenian community in Beirut. The Republic of Armenia has expressed its readiness to assist in overcoming the consequences of the tragedy that befell that city. We will assist the Lebanese government and the local Armenian community as much as possible. The Government of the Republic of Armenia (…) is in constant contact with the Government of Lebanon and [local Armenian] community structures. The basic needs are being clarified, within the framework of which the Government of the Republic of Armenia will deliver targeted assistance to Beirut—both at the governmental and community levels," Pashinyan said.
The Prime Minister also informed that for all those who want to make individual donations, a special account has been opened at the Central Bank of Armenia for money transfers by the Hayastan (Armenia) All Armenian Fund, and an online fundraising platform on the fund's website.
"The Republic of Armenia stands with our compatriot brothers and sisters in Beirut, and every effort will be made to help them and get out of the difficult situation," said the Prime Minister.
Pashinyan also mentioned that Armenia’s commissioner for diaspora affairs will soon leave for Beirut to get acquainted with the needs of the local Armenian community on the spot and to inform about it to the Armenian government.
