Armenia's Foreign Ministry Addresses the Fate of Armenians in Conflict Zone and Evacuation Issues

The spokesperson for Armenia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has addressed the situation of Armenians in the Middle East and the necessity of their evacuation.

"In countries of the Middle East, particularly the United Arab Emirates (and Bahrain, Saudi Arabia by extension), Kuwait (with Jordan as a supplementary), Qatar, Oman, and Iraq, the diplomatic representations and consulates of Armenia are operating around the clock in emergency mode. Communication is maintained with relevant airlines (including FlyDubai, Air Arabia, Qatar Airways) to obtain timely information on the situation, identify any Armenian citizens on flights, clarify conditions, and undertake additional work as necessary.

In certain cases, airlines are offering options for changing flight itineraries, while the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism has announced that they are prepared to cover the costs for all tourists forced to extend their stay in Abu Dhabi. Additional announcements have been issued by the Armenian Embassy in the UAE in this regard.

Moreover, the embassy is currently in operational contact with a group of 92 Armenian students studying in the UAE, providing them with necessary guidance and consultations. The Armenian embassies and consulates in Iran and Israel are also continuing their operations. There has not been a significant number of applications from Armenian citizens. In some cases, there are communication issues with Iran. The Armenian Embassy is also in contact with relevant counterparts in other countries to facilitate support for the evacuation of citizens through Armenian territory as needed.

Direct answers to questions of interest to Armenian citizens are provided through hotlines established by the embassies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Information regarding the total number of Armenian citizens in these countries is being verified and updated regularly. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' hotline received approximately four dozen calls on February 28 and March 1 (as of 1:30 PM). Contrary to some reports circulating on social media, no call has gone unanswered. The questions have primarily pertained to the restoration of flights or possibilities for evacuation or returning to Armenia.

At this moment, there are no reports of Armenian citizens being among the casualties. We urge Armenian citizens to follow the official instructions and information released by local and Armenian diplomatic representations and consulates.

During a National Security Council meeting held today, participants expressed deep regret over the unfortunate developments, conveyed condolences regarding the casualties, and emphasized the urgent need for the establishment of peace.

Contact information distributed by Armenian embassies in the region includes:

• Iran: +98 902 0059927
• Israel: +972 58 607-0313 (also WhatsApp), +972585811144
• United Arab Emirates: +971 506144624, +971509367385, Armenian Consulate in Dubai: +971 58 567 0993
• Kuwait: +965 25322175, +965 90065454, +965 25322174
• Oman: +968 93812337
• Qatar: +974 44919232, +974 33303979
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: +37455620111 (also WhatsApp)

In light of the military escalation in the Middle East, the Office of the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs has established a hotline to provide necessary support to our compatriots in the region. This was reported by the commissioner's office. Hotline numbers: 077 998123, 010 589155.