«Arajin Lratvakan» interviewed the Chairman of the ADL Lebanon Regional Board, Dr. Avetis Dakesyan:
– The Lebanese prime minister has resigned. How do you assess the situation in the country at this stage, what expectations are there, are the resignations a solution to the problem?
The resignation was somewhat unexpected for everyone, because now we are left in complete darkness and have entered a dead end. Now that the prime minister has resigned, the president of the country must call all the deputies again and present the name of a new prime minister. This development was unexpected and an incomprehensible situation has been created. It is no coincidence that the dollar exchange rate rose sharply against this background of uncertainty. People blocked roads for three days, burned tires, and if this continues, the people will be faced with starvation. Everyone is waiting to see what will happen in the coming days. The horizon is quite dark. I have been living in Lebanon for 35 years, and I have never seen such a heavy and serious crisis. In the next few days, let us see whose name they present as prime minister.
– Mr. Dakesyan, what expectations do Lebanese-Armenians have of Armenia?
As long as the crisis deepens here and conditions become more difficult, all Lebanese-Armenians’ eyes are fixed on Armenia. Everyone wants to move to Armenia, but they face economic difficulties. You know that they cannot withdraw the money they have in the banks. If people have a little means to travel, they will come straight to Armenia. Fortunately, after the elections in Armenia, the situation seems to be calming down and returning to normal life. People have the conviction that Armenia will gradually improve and Lebanese-Armenians will move to Armenia. Where else should they go? They will not go to distant America.
– In fact, do Lebanese-Armenians have money in the banks that they cannot withdraw in order to be able to come to Armenia?
Yes, the majority is in that situation, but everyone’s eyes are fixed on Armenia. If they must emigrate from here, they will come to Armenia, they have nowhere else to go. Other places are much more difficult; at least in Yerevan they live in some way, they “get by.” But we are waiting for the dollar exchange rate to stabilise a little; it keeps rising and people are despairing. It is a very difficult and heavy moment; let us see how we will get through this moment.
