The last war of Lebanon and up-to-date problems of the Armenian community there

On October 27, 2006 a seminar was held in “Noravank” Foundation on the subject of “The last war of Lebanon and up-to-date problems of the Armenian community there”. In his welcoming speech the executive director of “Noravank” Foundation Gagik Harutyunyan stressed up the importance of analyzing problems concerning to the Diaspora, the component part of which is the Armenian community in Lebanon. The main speaker, Gevorg Yazichyan, underlined the problems facing the Armenians there in connection with the war, representing them in the context of Lebanese general ethno-religious image. According to the speaker, one of the most urgent problems occurring after the war is the one of emigration: 70 % of Armenians living in Lebanon intend to go either to America or Europe. From the standpoint of vital activity and nation preservation, Lebanon doesn’t seem to be such a reliable place where clash the interests of power states and centers. G. Yazichyan devoted special attention to the problem of repatriation. He pointed out that in case of organized repatriation /like in1946/ 20% of the Armenians from Lebanon may be settled in Armenia. The seminar was held in the atmosphere of active discussions.