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The Armenian community of Argentina sent a letter to Pope Francis asking for his intervention in the Syrian conflict, “convinced that his word could bring peace to the conflict-ridden area of the Middle East and ensure the return of refugees to their homes,” Asbarez reports.

The letter warns about “the sad and painful situation of Christian minorities in Syria” and notes that “the civilian population is living in a disturbing critical state.”

“For example, the city of Kessab, a majority Armenian populated town, was attacked by armed groups linked to Al-Qaeda, who crossed the border from Turkey. On March 24, after a weekend of constant attacks, Kessab had to be evacuated to other locations like Basit and Latakia.”

“Since June 2, after the Syrian elections, the target of the attacks has been the city of Aleppo. The same groups attacked with rockets the neighborhood of Nor Kyugh, with also a majority of Armenian population. Whole buildings were demolished or partially destroyed, and the institutions of the Armenian community were completely or partially destroyed. Authorities have declared the area a disaster zone.”

Given this context, the Armenian community requested the intervention of Pope Francis “to prove once again that men of different creeds, nationalities, languages and ideas can live in harmony and solidarity.”