The Armenians of Aleppo have received security guarantees following a meeting between the city’s new military authorities and the leaders of the Armenian and Christian communities, reports Kantsasar, the Aleppo-based Armenian newspaper. This was confirmed by His Grace Archbishop Makar Ashkarian, Primate of the Armenian Prelacy of Aleppo, and Maria Gabrielyan, spokesperson for the Armenian Diocese of Aleppo, who said the community has been assured they will be able to live safely and enjoy appropriate freedoms under the new administration. These apparent guarantees come despite the fact that the leading faction HTS is a well-known Islamic terrorist organization with a history of persecuting Christians.
“We can say that security will be ensured, there is no need to be afraid. On the contrary, we should hope that everything will be fine in the near future. They say it would be good for everyone to start going to work, even though there are some economic difficulties. Banks and schools are closed. But in the near future, probably in a week, universities and schools will start working normally,” said Ashkarian, adding that the situation in the city is calm.
Maria Gabrielyan noted that Aleppo is gradually returning to normalcy, with calmness returning to the city. “The number of militants is gradually decreasing. In terms of everyday life, the electricity problem has not yet been resolved, as it is only supplied for two hours every day, but the water supply has been restored. It is also positive that people who left the city on Friday are gradually returning,” she said.
She further emphasized that there was no unanimous decision for Armenians to leave the city. “If there is such a decision, then active steps by the Armenian authorities will also be necessary, both in terms of ensuring security and, at least temporarily, accommodation,” said Gabrielyan.
Gabrielyan, who also serves as an Armenian MP in the Syrian parliament, highlighted developments related to Syria’s political transition. She noted that a transitional prime minister had been appointed to form a government, describing it as “a very positive development” that could pave the way for the establishment of a legitimate government.
“This is probably the first step toward establishing a legitimate government. It was a very positive development that the current administration continued to govern during the transitional period. Therefore, this was a good step to ensure the smooth and legitimate transfer of state structures and infrastructure, which also instilled some confidence,” Gabrielyan explained.
She further added that a transitional body, referred to as the “Motherland Salvation Body,” has already been created, signaling progress in Syria’s path toward stability and governance.
The recent developments bring cautious optimism for the Armenian community of Aleppo as they continue to navigate a period of uncertainty with hopes for a safer and more stable future.
