Armenia condemns the military incursion being carried out by Turkey in the northeastern region of Syria. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, during a cabinet meeting, characterized the operation as illegal and called on the international community to take active measures to halt the operation and to protect the citizens of Syria along Turkey’s border, including national minorities and their rights.
“We are concerned about the situation because, in our assessment, this operation will further deepen the humanitarian crisis established in Syria,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a statement condemning Turkey’s military incursion into Syria.
A particularly concerning situation is created for national and religious minorities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had declared, calling for the exertion of active international efforts to halt this military incursion, prevent mass atrocities, and protect the population of Syria bordering Turkey.
In the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ statement, it was also emphasized that Armenia supports the unity and sovereignty of Syria.
The Armenian community residing in the northeastern region of Syria has not been affected by Turkey’s military operation, Armen Melkonyan, head of the Middle East and Africa Department of Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told Azatutyun.
Of the 16 Armenian families living in the town of Tel Abyad, one of the main targets of the Turkish incursion, 13 have voluntarily left and moved by land to the city of Hasakah, according to Melkonyan.
“In all cases, the embassy or anyone else cannot enter those areas; there is no such possibility. Thirteen have left and safely reached Hasakah; three simply did not wish to leave. There are no casualties, thank God; we are in constant contact and are ready for any developments,” Melkonyan stated.
According to the MFA representative, Armenians in the northeastern region of Syria mainly reside in the city of Qamishli, where there are currently 400-420 families, or about 3,000 Armenians. According to the Armenian diplomat, Armenia’s embassy in Syria “is in constant contact with the community’s leadership, and they currently have no desire for evacuation, as they do not yet feel such danger.”
Incidentally, Prime Minister Pashinyan expressed the opinion during the cabinet meeting that he finds it appropriate to discuss the possible developments of the situation created in northern Syria behind closed doors after the meeting.
