ARMENIAN EXPERT CALLS FOR MEDIA CAUTION ABOUT SYRIA COVERAGE
tert.am
03.08.12
With the situation in Syria remaining politically tense, any abrupt
statement by the Syrian- Armenians or the Armenia may pose a hazard
to our compatriots in the country, an Armenian orientialist has said.
Director of the Oriental Studies Institute Ruben Safrastyan warned
reporters on Friday that the Syrian-Armenians are often unwilling to
hear their problems voiced, having very objective reasons for that.
"The media outlets have to refrain from abrupt statements in this
period. The military operations in Aleppo are not likely to pose a
threat to the Armenian districts at present. Our compatriots will
try to remain in their houses in Syria until the end [of the struggle].
They have big concerns that they may lose everything they came by
over the course of years," he said.
Asked what position Armenia should take on the issue, Safrastyan
answered that the country has to make its contribution in the current
peacemaking efforts.
"But evaluating the situation around Syria, we see that Armenia
is small country to play its role. The important thing for us is
to demonstrate cautiousness. We have to take a realistic stance on
our position in the region," he said, adding that he is in favor of
Armenia's pro-active policies over the Iranian issue.
Safrastyan noted in the meantime that country's position on the
Syrian-Armenians should be convincing enough to make them feel that
Armenia really gives them support.
"They must know that there is a country which, despite being small
and not powerful, will do everything within its power to stand by them.
Any Armenian should pin hope on his or her home country. People should
have a belief that their country exists," he added.
tert.am
03.08.12
With the situation in Syria remaining politically tense, any abrupt
statement by the Syrian- Armenians or the Armenia may pose a hazard
to our compatriots in the country, an Armenian orientialist has said.
Director of the Oriental Studies Institute Ruben Safrastyan warned
reporters on Friday that the Syrian-Armenians are often unwilling to
hear their problems voiced, having very objective reasons for that.
"The media outlets have to refrain from abrupt statements in this
period. The military operations in Aleppo are not likely to pose a
threat to the Armenian districts at present. Our compatriots will
try to remain in their houses in Syria until the end [of the struggle].
They have big concerns that they may lose everything they came by
over the course of years," he said.
Asked what position Armenia should take on the issue, Safrastyan
answered that the country has to make its contribution in the current
peacemaking efforts.
"But evaluating the situation around Syria, we see that Armenia
is small country to play its role. The important thing for us is
to demonstrate cautiousness. We have to take a realistic stance on
our position in the region," he said, adding that he is in favor of
Armenia's pro-active policies over the Iranian issue.
Safrastyan noted in the meantime that country's position on the
Syrian-Armenians should be convincing enough to make them feel that
Armenia really gives them support.
"They must know that there is a country which, despite being small
and not powerful, will do everything within its power to stand by them.
Any Armenian should pin hope on his or her home country. People should
have a belief that their country exists," he added.