3 of 22 Armenians Kidnapped From Kessab Freed

YEREVAN – At a press briefing today, Armenia’s Social Democrat Hunchakian Party Executive Committee Vice-Chairman Mr. Vasken Mesrobian, stated that out of 22 Kessab Armenians, who had not evacuated and subsequently were arrested, transported and detained in a Turkish prison, the 3 eldest have already been released and will be transported to Latakia.

Through contacts with various S.D. Hunchakian Executive Committee members in the region, Mr. Mesrobian informed the media that the fate of the other imprisoned Kessab Armenians remains unknown, and another 11 elderly Armenians are unaccounted for.

Mr. Mesrobian stated the events that transpired in Kessab were not only an act of terrorism, but infringe on international laws. He urged the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take measures to reach condemnation of the Turkish government and its involvement in the events by the international community. International structures should apply sanctions against those in Turkey involved, since they were directly involved in organizing the incursion into Syria through Kessab and endangered civilian lives.

As for the recent fact finding trip of Armenian lawmakers to Syria, and their meeting with Kessab Armenians, as well as Syrian President Assad, and Syrian authorities, Armenia’s SDHP Vice-Chairman stated that such a trip was a good start, but more needs to be done by the Armenian authorities, and such actions should be continuous.

Mr. Mesrobian also urged the Armenian media to not forget the plight of Armenians living Aleppo, who have also recently been in under attack by various rebel factions.