02/04/2014 19:17
MFA: Attacks on Kesab were launched by terrorists from Turkey
Armenia expresses deep concern over the escalation of the situation in northwestern Syria, in particular Armenian-populated town of Kesab and 12 neighboring villages, Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said in his letter to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, according to the press service of Armenian Foreign Ministry.
“All available evidence and the geographic location of Kesab allow us to state that the last attacks were undoubtedly made by Al-Qaeda-linked terrorist groups that crossed the border from the Turkish territory,” the letter says.
‘The violent actions, which were mostly directed against civilian population, have resulted in deportation of the local population. The radical groups desecrated the Armenian churches of Kesab and caused much damage to property of residents. Only a few elderly people unable to leave the town have remained in Kesab. These horrible attacks endanger the implementation of the UN Security Council’s resolutions 2139 and 2118 aimed at paving the way towards solution of the Syrian crisis,” Edward Nalbandian said.
According to the letter, Armenia repeatedly stated about the urgent need to protect the ethnic and religious minorities, including Armenians, during the armed conflict in Syria.
“These groups of population are in a very vulnerable situation and became primary targets. As the humanitarian crisis continues, it is important to call on the Turkish authorities to take urgent actions to prevent the further use of Turkey’s territory by radical groups, ‘the letter says.
‘The use of force against civilian population, regardless of their nationality and religious affiliation, must be condemned. The international community should make determined efforts to guarantee the security of deported people, including Armenians, create conditions for their rapid and safe return to places of residence, and to provide the necessary humanitarian aid,” Edward Nalbandian said in his letter.