External and extraneous forces influence current situation in Syria — Jirayr Reisyan

The situation in Syria has recently grown increasingly tense. Massive clashes have erupted between Syrian security forces and supporters of former President Bashar al-Assad. Alpha News discussed this issue with Jirayr Reisyan, Chair of the National Board of the Armenian Diocese.

“After the departure of the previous government, the country is going through a new period with a new government and its new rulers, who are trying to rebuild the country with a new value system. However, all this does not mean that stability has been fully restored, especially when external and extraneous forces influence the current situation.

Touching upon the Armenian community, I must note that there is a clear Armenian presence in Latakia: a church, a club, a school, that is, there is a serious community supported by the Beroea diocese. Fortunately, the community members remained largely unharmed during the clashes, with the exception of the death of two Armenians. They went outside and were caught under fire from both sides. We advise all members of the Armenian community to remain cautious and vigilant,” Reisyan said.