In the early hours of Monday, 6 February 2023, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale violently shook southern Turkey and northern Syria, particularly Aleppo, Kesab and Latakia, and the series of aftershocks that followed caused terrible destruction and created a grave humanitarian situation in the region.
Aleppo, once considered the heart of the Armenian diaspora, suffered the most from the earthquake, which caused immense material damage; the number of destroyed buildings there exceeded 120, and Armenian churches and schools were also damaged. Among the thousands of dead and wounded were also our compatriots.
The Armenian community of Aleppo, mired in the severe economic crisis caused by the Syrian war and living through one of the heaviest periods of its history, has now been forced for three days to spend the nights in community buildings in these cold weather conditions.
Syria, being under international sanctions, cannot secure aid of the expected international scale nor the necessary rescue and medical supplies.
Therefore, in the name of the entire membership of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party, we express our sorrow over the tragic consequences of the devastating earthquake and the innocent human lives lost.
We express our full solidarity and support to the people of Syria and the Armenian community of Syria affected by the disastrous earthquake, as well as to our compatriots affected in Turkey.
Today, when the Armenians of Aleppo need the moral and material support of the entire Armenian nation, it is the duty of us all to stand by their side and contribute to alleviating the suffering of those affected by the earthquake.
Therefore, we call upon the entire Armenian nation to organise the necessary fundraisers to extend a helping hand to stricken Aleppo and its Armenian community, believing that with pan-Armenian efforts we shall overcome this trial as well.
We express our deepest condolences to the families of the innocent victims of the disastrous earthquake and wish a speedy recovery to all those affected.
CENTRAL BOARD OF THE ARMENIAN DEMOCRATIC LIBERAL PARTY
Raffi Balian | Secretary
Mike Kharapyan | Chairman
09 February 2023
