Turkey: Our doors are open to all Syrian refugees

The Turkish foreign ministry stated that the country’s doors are open to all Syrian refugees fleeing the on-going clashes in their country, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.

The statement comes in response to accusations by the Syrian media that the Turkish government was denying entry to Syrians of Armenian origin.

A press statement issued by the ministry pointed out that the Turkish government is coordinating with the Armenian Patriarchate in Istanbul along with the Armenian community in Turkey to provide shelter and security for Syrian Armenians who have fled from Kesab, a town in the northwest of Syria, as well as the neighbouring areas.

“Turkey is closely monitoring the on-going events in Syria and the latest developments in the Kesab region,” the statement continued. “Turkey is taking the necessary measures to protect civilian refugees who have fled Syria and to ensure that they are not subjected to any harm. Turkey is cooperating with Armenian groups and the Armenian Patriarchate in order to provide security for the Armenians who enter Turkey.”

The statement noted that 18 Syrian Armenians entered Turkey on 5 April. They are staying near their neighbours in Yayladağı, a district of the Hatay province.