Community stands united behind Kessab Armenians
Leaders of the Armenian religious denominations, the three political parties and the main Armenian relief organizations issued a joint announcement Tuesday pledging their united support for the Armenians of Kessab who came under attack late last week by Al-Qaeda militants who entered the border town from Turkey, Asbarez reports.
Below is the text of the announcement:
The Armenians of Western United States condemn the attacks, aided and abetted by Turkey, on the Armenian-populated town of Kessab and deem the forced evacuation of the population from the area unacceptable. The community demands that the White House and world governments take decisive steps to drive out the militants from Kessab and facilitate the safe return of residents to their homes.
Our community pledges its complete solidarity with all Syrian-Armenians, especially the Armenians of Kessab, guaranteeing that it will continue to seek all available avenues without sparing any effort to ensure their survival.
The leaders of the Armenian community and organizations mentioned below met and discussed ways to provide immediate and long-term assistance and support and reasserted their commitment to aid Syrian-Armenians. It was decided to call on the Syrian-Armenian Relief Fund (SARF) to continue its indispensable fundraising activities for the Syrian Armenians in general, and specifically for the needs of Kessab Armenians. We are confident that these efforts will be supported by the community.
Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church of North America
Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of US
Armenian Catholic Archdiocese of North America
Armenian Evangelical Union of North America
Social-Democratic Hunchakian Party
Armenian Revolutionary Federation
Ramkavar-Azatakan Party
Armenian General Benevolent Union
Armenian Relief Society
Kessab Educational Association.
March 25, 2014
Los Angeles