Syria continues to remain in a dire situation, and the situation is catastrophic for the Armenians of Syria. On 30 September, terrorists shelled the Armenian-populated Nor Kyugh and Villaner districts of Aleppo, killing and wounded Armenians. The bloody Friday was followed by more trouble, and the immediate need to help the Syrian-Armenians emerged once again. During that period, “Aleppo” Compatriotic Union issued a statement stating that 600 Armenians families wanted to move to Armenia, but had no funding. However, it became clear that the reality is totally different. This was the topic of Iravunk’s interview with RA Minister of Diaspora HRANUSH HAKOBYAN.

“LET’S HEP OUR COMPATRIOTS INSTEAD OF TALKING”

Hranush Hakobyan: Today I want to look straight into the eyes of all the media representatives and all the people who were talking about those 600 Armenian families and tell them the following: my dears, tell me, nearly a month has passed since the bloody Friday, and only 14 families have arrived in Armenia…Where are the 600 families? We Armenians can’t do anything good for Syria and Armenia by causing uproar, panic and tension between Armenia and the Diaspora. Let’s help our compatriots instead of talking. Today, 20,000 Syrian-Armenians have returned to Armenia, and this number is equivalent to the population of nearly 10 villages or two large cities. Let’s help each other by raising a question and trying to help our compatriots become established in the homeland.

Iravunk: Mrs. Hakobyan, at the end of the day, are there Syrian-Armenians who wish to move to Armenia, but face obstacles? They are in danger in Syria…

Hranush Hakobyan: We work with the Syrian-Armenians in Syria and Armenia on a daily basis. Syria is currently in the most dangerous situation, and nobody knows what will happen the next minute and even the next second. The Syrian-Armenians have always had the opportunity to come to Armenia throughout the past five years of the war, but there are Syrian-Armenians who wanted to stay. There are different reasons for that, and now is not the time to analyze those reasons. However, in any case, if they want to come, they can. Of course, they can’t come without contacting the consulate. So, they must first contact Armenia’s consulate and obtain a visa. Moreover, their financial problems have also been solved. Nobody can say that a Syrian-Armenian can’t reach Yerevan due to lack of funding. They must first be able to leave Aleppo, reach Lebanon and then come to Yerevan. This problem has also been solved through cooperation with the national authorities and the emergency unit. I regret to see that we Armenians are trying to stomp each other instead of consolidating our efforts and helping the Syrian-Armenians find jobs, study or solve other problems in this time of catastrophe and difficult moment.

“I AM SIMPLY ASKING…”

Iravunk: But it is no secret that the Syrian-Armenians also face problems after moving to the homeland. Which of their priority issues would you set aside?

H. H.: We have clear-cut mechanisms for the Syrian-Armenians in terms of housing and health-related issues. However, employment is especially important. If a person has a job, he feels safe. If he doesn’t, then, of course, it will be hard for him and he will constantly think about finding other paths and moving to another country. So, it would be better for Armenian journalists and all heartfelt people to be consistent with solving any problems that Syrian-Armenians have. If they go and try to convince employers, businessmen and the heads of companies to hire Syrian-Armenians, I think the Syrian-Armenians will achieve great success in the homeland. The Ministry of Diaspora is carrying out a large-scale healthcare program for the Syrian-Armenians with the Minister of Healthcare. For instance, just a year-and-a-half ago, a bullet entered the palm of a young man and he couldn’t move his arm for a year-and-a-half. Today, through the intervention of Armenian doctors, the young man has recovered. So, every Syrian-Armenian is in need of our help.

Iravunk: In this case, why do dozens of Syrian-Armenians come to Yerevan and later move to other countries?

H. H.: If each and every one of us surrounds them with warmth and seriously tries to help them, they won’t leave. Generally speaking, some Syrian-Armenians come to Armenia and adapt, but there are those who don’t. There are also Syrian-Armenians who have families or relatives in Europe or the USA and want to go and be with them. This is the overall situation and is not just related to the Armenians. I would like Armenian journalists to help solve their problems on the spot and not address them to the Ministry of Diaspora. After all, the Ministry of Diaspora doesn’t have a system that can help provide the Syrian-Armenians with jobs within structures, companies and establishments. I am simply asking, speaking out, suggesting and addressing…This is how we must unite and help the Syrian-Armenians.

“IF THERE IS TRUST, THE INVESTORS WILL BE MORE ACTIVE”

Iravunk: By the way, in regard to unity, after the change of government, there was a lot of talk about gearing the potential of the Armenian Diaspora towards not only recognition of the Armenian Genocide, but also towards engaging investments in the homeland, which has not been done for years due to the lack of trust. What would you say about that?

H. H.: I think that is a very correct question. Yes, Armenia is not using the potential of the Armenian Diaspora well, and the main reason for that is the lack of trust. If there is trust, investors will be more active, irrespective of the fact that Armenia is at risk due to the war and closed borders. However, in any case, it seems as though the demands and the issues raised by the new Prime Minister have made Diaspora Armenians more active. Let’s hope there are people who will make investments with a feeling of patriotism as well. Of course, business is all about being realistic, but Armenians also need to be patriotic in order to see their businesses grow in Armenia.

HRANT SARAFYAN