NOTHING THREATENS LEBANESE ARMENIANS AND RA CITIZENS IN LEBANON

armradio.am
15.05.2008 16:44

The position of the Armenian national parties and the whole Armenian
community during the internal conflict sin Lebanon should be assessed
positively, Head of the Middle East Department of RA Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Armen Melkonyan told a press conference today. He
reminded that on the very first day of the conflict the Armenian
national parties came forth with a joint statement, urging to settle
the situation via dialogue and restore the national unity in the
country. After that the Armenian community did not participate in the
clashes, although, according to Armen Melkonyan, there are Armenian
Deputies who are members of the forces supporting "Hezbollah" or the
"Future" party of the "March 14"block. The Armenian community of
Lebanon avoided participating in the conflict.

"There have been no losses among Lebanese Armenians or Armenian
citizens there. According to our information, nothing threatens them
now. The only accident was the burning of the "Sevan" radio station,
which was situated in the building of the radio company belonging
to the "Future" party and was burnt only for that reason. However,
people were allowed to take out the equipments and in a few hours
the radio station resumed its operation from another location,"
Armen Melkonyan said.

Armen Melkonyan informed that the Armenian Embassy in Lebanon and the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been closely watching the development
of events in that country. "We are ready to assist our citizens there
and, if possible, the Lebanese Armenians," he assured, adding that
the Ministry is going to add the number of diplomats in the Embassy.

"Lebanon is a friendly country for Armenia, with which we are linked
with many historical and cooperative ties. Lebanon is the only Arab
country that has recognized the Armenian Genocide, and with which we
have an agreement on friendship and cooperation. This situation and its
possible aggravation can not but worry Armenia, considering also that
one of the largest Armenian communities resides there. The stability of
Lebanon is also important for ensuring regional stability and security,
since that region is very close to us. Naturally, we hope that the
parties will reach a soon solution to the issue through dialogue,"
Armen Melkonyan said.

He underlined that Armenia plays no role in the given situation and
cannot interfere with the domestic affairs of Lebanon. "It’s the
internal affair of Lebanon, and any outer interference results in
aggravation of the conflict. Lebanon should reach a solution itself. If
we look back, we shall see that what is happening in Lebanon, resulted
from foreign interference," the MFA representative added.