Armenians Want to Leave Lebanon, Says Zareh Sinanyan

From August 9 to 11, a delegation from the Government of Armenia visited Lebanon to provide humanitarian assistance from Armenia and to assess the situation on the ground.

The aid consisted of three cargo airplanes. The first and third airplanes were intended for the Lebanese government and the people in general, while the second plane was specifically designated for the Armenian community in Lebanon. During the visit, the Armenian government delegation met with a group of compatriots, spiritual leaders, representatives of various political parties, cultural institutions, and members of the Lebanese-Armenian press.

They also visited the homes of individuals affected by the explosion to assess their needs alongside a fact-finding assessment team. During our meeting with spiritual leaders, the following message was conveyed to us: the community will recover, and this situation is temporary.

People's panic and their desire to leave Lebanon were evident, with many wishing to come to Armenia. However, the reality is far more complicated, as even those who have this desire cannot physically come. Due to banking restrictions, they are unable to withdraw their money from banks, and because of a serious economic crisis, they are struggling to sell their properties and businesses. These funds were meant to serve as a foundation for building their next destination.

These remarks were made today in an interview with reporters by Zareh Sinanyan, the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs.