"LEBANESE ARMENIANS DO NOT SUFFER ANY LOSSES AS RESULT OF MILITARY CLASHES IN THAT COUNTRY," RA MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS DECLARES

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 16, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 16, NOYAN TAPAN. The Lebanese Armenians have not suffered
any losses as a result of the military clashes, which took place in
Lebanon and no danger threatens them at the moment. This statement
was made by Armen Melkonian, the Head of the Department of the
Near and Middle East of the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs, at the
press conference, which was held on May 15, who added that the only
incident was the arson of the Sevan radio station. "And even then,
before setting fire to the radio station, people were asked to come
out of the building and were allowed to bring out the equipment,"
he said. Armen Melkonian mentioned that there are a few number of RA
citizens in Lebanon, most of whom are permanent residents. According
to him, there are also a few tens of RA citizens, who live and work
in Lebanon on contractual bases.

Armen Melkonian stated that the Embassy of Armenia in Lebanon and
the RA Ministry of Foreign Affairs have attentively followed the
development of the events in that country. "We are ready to assist
the RA citizens living there and in case of being able the Lebanese
Armenians as well at any moment," he made assertions, adding that the
Ministry envisages to add the number of diplomats in the given embassy.

In the words of the diplomat, Lebanon and Armenia are friendly and
closely cooperating countries. "We cannot help worrying about the
situation, that has been governing in Lebanon for the recent years. We
hope that the parties involved in the conflict, will be able to reduce
to the same denominator their viewpoints, positions through a dialogue
and reach a quick regulation for the problem," he mentioned.