July 31, 2012 - 15:17 AMT
Expert dismisses Syrian Armenians’ large inflow to homeland

There will be no large inflow of Syrian Armenians, orientalist Suren Manukyan said.

He dismissed Armenian community’s unexpected influx to homeland due to the established business relations, and its prior experience to set up ties with the Syrian authorities in crisis.

“The number of Syrian Armenians having arrived in the country doesn’t exceed 2 thousand. Though Armenia must be ready to face it, it can’t ensure the best conditions for them,” the expert said, stressing the need for Armenia to once a week send a delegation to Syria to make Armenian community representatives feel homeland’s support.

Dwelling on Syrian Armenians’ statements on getting RA citizenship, Mr. Manukyan said they need passports to receive EU visa.

“Syria’s Armenian community mainly backs Bashar Assad‘s regime as a sign of gratitude for the privileges granted,” he said.