`How Long Do We Have to Live and Work In a Foreign Country?'
http://karabakh-open.info/en/societyen/2245-en462
Friday, 02 November 2012 11:37
`In Syria my husband dug holes with his own crane and besides our
everyday expenses we had an income of 30 thousand US dollars. But how
long do we have to live and work in a foreign country?' Nazik Ohanyan,
who moved to the town of Kovsakan, Qashatagh region, from Syria three
years ago says with obvious uncertainty.
In 2000 Nazik's husband Zhirayr Tonapetyan, displeased with his
business in Armenia, decided to visit Artsakh. He approved of the new
settlement and decided to move to Kovsakan with his family.
According to deputy Mayor of Kovsakan Gor Tovmasyan before the war in
Syria 6 Armenian families moved to Kovsakan, during the war 8 families
did.
The multi-flat house for the 6 families that moved to Kovsakan during
the war in Syria was repaired by the Toufenkyan fund, while the
construction material for the face-lift of the building was allocated
by the government,' the deputy mayor says.
The Tonapetyans as well as most of the Armenians from Syria in
Kovsakan farm the land.
`We imported new machinery from Syria that enables to cultivate the
land better. My husband together with his friend Alishan cultivated
350-400 ha this year. Last year the Armenians from Syria sowed 900 ha
arable land,' Lady Nazik says and adds that the government supports
them much with seeds and diesel fuel.
In answer to the question what problem of theirs is of top priority
Lady Nazik smiled and added, `We have no problem. We shall solve them
ourselves. I think only when my house will be like a real house. First
it was too difficult, when I saw the ruined houses I thought we would
not be able to adapt the place. But the next day as I saw my 7
children freely and happily running in the yard my heart was filled
with joy'.
Lady Nazik's 18-year-old son Raffi says that he liked Kovsakan very
much, only the ruined houses seemed frightening first.
For me it was surprising how one may go out in worn-out clothes while
the local people got surprised `when I went out in clean clothes and
sprayed on with perfume. According to them there is no need to dress
neatly in Kovsakan,' Raffi recalls.
Quite surprised at himself Raffi confesses that although there is
nothing special in Kovsakan he begins to miss it after ten days
wherever he goes.
Doctor Moushegh Aroyan, leaving his own clinic in Syria, has moved to
Kovsakan with his wife and children.
`I had decided to move to my homeland until the war began. I heard on
TV that immigrants are being supported, I called the corresponding
phone number and they confirmed the information. We are satisfied with
the present-day conditions, we have been provided with a flat. My wife
Silva and I got a job at the local hospital. Of course the conditions
here are quite hard but some time is needed to get accustomed to the
situation.'
However, the physician does not even think of returning to Syria. `I
moved here to stay for the rest of my life for my children so as we
live and create for our nation'.
At present another multi-flat house is being repaired by state funds
for other 6 Armenian families from Syria to settle in. In parallel
with the housing problem attempts are made to provide the settlers
with jobs.
Qnar Babayan
http://karabakh-open.info/en/societyen/2245-en462
Friday, 02 November 2012 11:37
`In Syria my husband dug holes with his own crane and besides our
everyday expenses we had an income of 30 thousand US dollars. But how
long do we have to live and work in a foreign country?' Nazik Ohanyan,
who moved to the town of Kovsakan, Qashatagh region, from Syria three
years ago says with obvious uncertainty.
In 2000 Nazik's husband Zhirayr Tonapetyan, displeased with his
business in Armenia, decided to visit Artsakh. He approved of the new
settlement and decided to move to Kovsakan with his family.
According to deputy Mayor of Kovsakan Gor Tovmasyan before the war in
Syria 6 Armenian families moved to Kovsakan, during the war 8 families
did.
The multi-flat house for the 6 families that moved to Kovsakan during
the war in Syria was repaired by the Toufenkyan fund, while the
construction material for the face-lift of the building was allocated
by the government,' the deputy mayor says.
The Tonapetyans as well as most of the Armenians from Syria in
Kovsakan farm the land.
`We imported new machinery from Syria that enables to cultivate the
land better. My husband together with his friend Alishan cultivated
350-400 ha this year. Last year the Armenians from Syria sowed 900 ha
arable land,' Lady Nazik says and adds that the government supports
them much with seeds and diesel fuel.
In answer to the question what problem of theirs is of top priority
Lady Nazik smiled and added, `We have no problem. We shall solve them
ourselves. I think only when my house will be like a real house. First
it was too difficult, when I saw the ruined houses I thought we would
not be able to adapt the place. But the next day as I saw my 7
children freely and happily running in the yard my heart was filled
with joy'.
Lady Nazik's 18-year-old son Raffi says that he liked Kovsakan very
much, only the ruined houses seemed frightening first.
For me it was surprising how one may go out in worn-out clothes while
the local people got surprised `when I went out in clean clothes and
sprayed on with perfume. According to them there is no need to dress
neatly in Kovsakan,' Raffi recalls.
Quite surprised at himself Raffi confesses that although there is
nothing special in Kovsakan he begins to miss it after ten days
wherever he goes.
Doctor Moushegh Aroyan, leaving his own clinic in Syria, has moved to
Kovsakan with his wife and children.
`I had decided to move to my homeland until the war began. I heard on
TV that immigrants are being supported, I called the corresponding
phone number and they confirmed the information. We are satisfied with
the present-day conditions, we have been provided with a flat. My wife
Silva and I got a job at the local hospital. Of course the conditions
here are quite hard but some time is needed to get accustomed to the
situation.'
However, the physician does not even think of returning to Syria. `I
moved here to stay for the rest of my life for my children so as we
live and create for our nation'.
At present another multi-flat house is being repaired by state funds
for other 6 Armenian families from Syria to settle in. In parallel
with the housing problem attempts are made to provide the settlers
with jobs.
Qnar Babayan