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SamayLive, India
Nov 27 2011
Armenian town's evictions stir Lebanon debate
A mainly Armenian suburb of Beirut has stirred controversy over a
decision by local officials to expel foreign workers ie Syrian Kurds
as well as other labourers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka and from
African countries, with some linking the move to the revolt in Syria
and others to sheer racism.
The controversy erupted earlier this month when the municipality of
Burj Hammud, located east of the Lebanese capital, requested all
foreigners without rental leases leave the area by the end of
November.
Targeted by the measure were Syrian Kurds as well as other labourers
from the Philippines, Sri Lanka and from African countries, who for
years have been drawn to affordable housing in Burj Hammud. The
majority have no signed rental agreements,a common practice in
Lebanon.
Officials say the decision came after local residents began to
complain of increased petty crime and harassment of young women in the
streets, pinning the blame on foreigners.
But Syrian Kurds say the measure was a bid by the Armenian Tashnag
party, a member of Lebanon's pro-Syrian alliance led by the powerful
Hezbollah, to punish them for taking part in anti-Syrian rallies.
Several Syrian Kurds said they believed the Tashnag was using its
influence to squeeze them out after they protested outside the Syrian
embassy over the murder of Kurdish activist Meshaal Tammo in Syria in
October.
"The goal is to drive us out of our homes... and leading this
campaign is a certain prominent party here in Burj Hammud," said
Khalil, 37, referring to the Tashnag. Khalil says he was ordered
by local officials to obtain a working visa or leave -- a demand he
says is "impossible" as Syrian citizens do not need visas to work in
Lebanon.
Ahmed, a 28-year-old Syrian Kurd who has lived for five years in a
humble one-room flat in Burj Hammud, said he also believed the
eviction order he had recently received was politically motivated.
"This decision is aimed at us, at all Kurds who are standing against
the Syrian regime," said Ahmed, who requested
his real name be concealed for fear of reprisal. Officials in the
bustling suburb, however, deny that the evictions are political
motivated, noting that the measure concerned all foreigners -- not
just Syrian Kurds -- without identification papers or legal contracts.
"Several residents have contacted us to complain that they feel the
district is becoming an increasingly dangerous place
because of increased crime with foreigners living here," said Arpineh
Mangasarian, head of the city council's engineering
and planning department.
http://english.samaylive.com/world-news/676496727/armenian-town-s-evictions-stir-lebanon-debate.html
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
Nov 27 2011
Armenian town's evictions stir Lebanon debate
A mainly Armenian suburb of Beirut has stirred controversy over a
decision by local officials to expel foreign workers ie Syrian Kurds
as well as other labourers from the Philippines, Sri Lanka and from
African countries, with some linking the move to the revolt in Syria
and others to sheer racism.
The controversy erupted earlier this month when the municipality of
Burj Hammud, located east of the Lebanese capital, requested all
foreigners without rental leases leave the area by the end of
November.
Targeted by the measure were Syrian Kurds as well as other labourers
from the Philippines, Sri Lanka and from African countries, who for
years have been drawn to affordable housing in Burj Hammud. The
majority have no signed rental agreements,a common practice in
Lebanon.
Officials say the decision came after local residents began to
complain of increased petty crime and harassment of young women in the
streets, pinning the blame on foreigners.
But Syrian Kurds say the measure was a bid by the Armenian Tashnag
party, a member of Lebanon's pro-Syrian alliance led by the powerful
Hezbollah, to punish them for taking part in anti-Syrian rallies.
Several Syrian Kurds said they believed the Tashnag was using its
influence to squeeze them out after they protested outside the Syrian
embassy over the murder of Kurdish activist Meshaal Tammo in Syria in
October.
"The goal is to drive us out of our homes... and leading this
campaign is a certain prominent party here in Burj Hammud," said
Khalil, 37, referring to the Tashnag. Khalil says he was ordered
by local officials to obtain a working visa or leave -- a demand he
says is "impossible" as Syrian citizens do not need visas to work in
Lebanon.
Ahmed, a 28-year-old Syrian Kurd who has lived for five years in a
humble one-room flat in Burj Hammud, said he also believed the
eviction order he had recently received was politically motivated.
"This decision is aimed at us, at all Kurds who are standing against
the Syrian regime," said Ahmed, who requested
his real name be concealed for fear of reprisal. Officials in the
bustling suburb, however, deny that the evictions are political
motivated, noting that the measure concerned all foreigners -- not
just Syrian Kurds -- without identification papers or legal contracts.
"Several residents have contacted us to complain that they feel the
district is becoming an increasingly dangerous place
because of increased crime with foreigners living here," said Arpineh
Mangasarian, head of the city council's engineering
and planning department.
http://english.samaylive.com/world-news/676496727/armenian-town-s-evictions-stir-lebanon-debate.html
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress