YEREVAN – An estimated 10,000–12,000 Syrian-Armenians remain in Aleppo, according to an Armenian government official handling diaspora affairs.
Hovhannes Alexanyan, Head of the Department of Repatriates Integration at the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, announced at a media briefing that the first group of Syrian-Armenians is expected to arrive in Armenia on December 14.
He explained that evacuation will only be possible under appropriate conditions.
Alexanyan noted that some Syrian-Armenian families managed to escape Aleppo shortly after the city’s takeover by anti-government forces. These families have since found refuge in Damascus, Latakia, and Kessab, with the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs maintaining regular contact with them.
“Based on our data, around 10,000–12,000 [Syrian] Armenians are still in Aleppo,” Alexanyan stated.
Vulnerable families have been receiving support from various charitable organizations. The Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia has also contributed funds for relief efforts through its diocese.
Alexanyan emphasized that the Armenian authorities are closely monitoring the situation and are prepared to assist at any moment.
“At this time, it is impossible to organize evacuations or deliver aid. If an opportunity arises, it will be considered, but currently, there is no such possibility. The airport and industrial zones of Aleppo are under the control of Islamist groups, making the safe evacuation of large groups unfeasible,” Alexanyan explained.
The first group of Syrian-Armenians, who successfully fled the danger zone, will arrive in Armenia via a Damascus-Yerevan flight on December 14.
“We are ready to welcome our compatriots at any time and address their needs. The free healthcare program for Syrian-Armenians, introduced years ago, remains operational. We are also prepared to assess their needs within the scope of this program and encourage our partner organizations to implement joint initiatives,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sergey Ghazinyan, a human rights expert from the Center for European Studies at Yerevan State University, urged Syrian-Armenians without Armenian citizenship to apply for refugee status immediately upon crossing into Armenia.
