No panic among Lebanese Armenians as situation escalates
Yerkir.am
July 21, 2006
By Karine Mangasarian
The military operation unleashed by Israel against Lebanon has already
killed and wounded hundreds. Speaking to Yerkir, Shahan Gantaharian,
the editor-in-chief of the Armenian-language Aztag Daily published
in Beirut, said that despite the dangerous situation the Lebanese
Armenians do not plan to flee the country.
Gantaharian: The Israeli army continues its military operation in the
south causing thousands to flee. The only way to leave Lebanon is the
Syrian border but it is not safe either. The Armenian community too
has found itself in a desperate state but they have not intention
to leave the country.
Many refuges have found refuge in Armenian-populated areas, including
Beirut, Burj Hamoud and Antelias. The Lebanon Central Committee of
the Armenian Revolutionary Federation has set up a body to coordinate
the assistance to refugees. The body, in cooperation with the Burj
Hamoud municipality, is engaged in delivering aid.
The main task of the body is to set up contacts with Armenian charity
organizations. The ARF Lebanon CC has already issued a statement
condemning the Israeli violence against innocent civilians. Q: The
Armenian government has decided to aid the victims of the military
actions. Could you say where the Armenian government could be helpful?
Gantaharian: If the situation escalates there would be a need for
medical assistance and food. Currently, there is no such danger
although the power blackouts become more frequent, the gas prices
have soared, there is shortage of food but the government has announce
the stocks would last for several months.
To avoid panic in the community, all the Armenian organizations and
clubs are engaged in the ARF preparatory works. If there is need, we
can also coordinate our efforts with those of the Armenian government.
Gantaharian also informed that taking into account the immense
interest of the international community and Armenian communities
worldwide, the Aztag has placed relevant information on its website
at
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
