During the military operations that have been taking place in Syria for the past three years already, Latakia had been one of the cities where there were no clashes or explosions. Compared to Aleppo, Damascus and other cities, things were calm in Latakia. However, there was a moment when the citizens saw the consequences of Syria’s poor economic conditions and felt the need for safety. They felt it even more after the events that took place in Kessab. The Armenians of Kessab broke into frenzy after the unexpected bombings and attacks of the rebels and moved to Latakia. Weeks after the events, the situation in Latakia is calm once again.

Resident of Latakia George Serobian, 32, arrived in Armenia a couple of days ago. In an interview with Life.panorama.am, Serobian said the shootings and bombings were afar and that everything was calm in Latakia. “People’s lives are back on track. They continue to do what they were doing. There are some explosions from time to time. When we hear those bombings, we ask ourselves where the bombs fell,” George Serobian said. Things are calm in the city, but the residents still take precaution when they hear explosions. They don’t leave their homes, especially when there are few citizens walking on the streets in the evenings.

“We don’t really do anything because there is nothing left to do. Our homes and jobs are in Kessab. It’s the same in Aleppo. Despite the bombings and clashes with the rebels, many continue to live their life.

We’re doing the same, especially since everything is calm in our city for the time being,” the Syrian-Armenian mentioned. The residents of Kessab continue to live calmly and with expectations along with the residents of Latakia. George noted that most Kessab-Armenians hope to return to their homes someday. “I think it’s a matter of time. Kessab will definitely be returned to the Armenians. The Armenians of Kessab live with that hope,” he added.

Some are waiting at the homes of their relatives in Latakia, while others have moved to Lebanon or have settled in the local church of Latakia. Our interlocutor underlined the fact that Armenians and the local authorities provide food and clothes to the Armenians of Kessab.

Armenians also support each other in Lebanon. George has come to Armenia to see the homeland. Prior to his arrival in Yerevan, he had stayed in Lebanon for a couple of days and received help from the Kiledjians. He will be in Yerevan for one-and-a-half month. George has been repairing cars for many years in Syria. He and his family have many customers and are content with their work. In any case, George said the following in our interview: “If I can find a job in Armenia, I might stay here.”

By Anna Gziryan

http://life.panorama.am