Arman Abovyan: Minister Mnatsakanyan, Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Church was killed a few days ago at Deir Ez - Zor highway. We already have information that the ISIL terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the killing of the Pastor. The security of the Armenian population in Syria remains topical. I would like to know what is going on in Syria now, what response we have given and will give and whether there is logic in our steps?.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Thank you, Mr. Abovyan, for the question that is of great concern to us all. Since October 9, we have mobilized all our resources in order to build necessary means and mechanisms to follow the developments, events and calculate those steps that we can implement. What happened two days ago is a profound sorrow and you know that the  Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made a statement and harshly condemned those assassinations. 

In this respect, we are not restricted to the statement but we will continue to pursue the policy which refers to the protection of ethnic and religious minorities, including the protection of Christian minorities in that region and in Syria, as a whole.

We are closely cooperating with different partners both within the community structures, in different countries, with the local authorities, with Syrian authorities in order to ensure the flow of information and to calculate those steps that will be taken in case of necessity.

Of course, we are talking about the citizens of Syria:  our compatriots are of Armenian descent, but citizens of Syria. And this is a very important circumstance. As the citizens and civilians of Syria, they are at the center of our attention.

The humanitarian mission in Syria is proceeding. We have already taken measures aimed at providing humanitarian assistance. This is an ongoing process and we are going to take new steps to deliver humanitarian aid to those areas.

In terms of security, we are trying to work in all possible directions in order to see those ways, that are realistic and beneficial. Thank you.

Arman Abovyan: Thank you for the answer. It is obvious that the situation will become exacerbated taking into account Turkey’s unconstructive policy in the region, straightforwardly aggression.  At least I think that the so-called “ Plan B”, the force majeure plan will allow us to take measures in case of an aggravated situation. That’s all. I would not like to go into detail.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: You see there are various nuances because they are issues of security and refer to people’s lives. I am convinced you know that we have made a statement on the occasion of military intervention and as to various possible scenarios yes we are ready to ensure the flow of information and permanent assessment in order to be sure that the possible steps can be taken. We have clear information about what is going on: as I have mentioned sources are multiple. Thank you.

Tigran Karapetyan: The CSTO Parliamentary Assembly was recently held in Yerevan: the retreat session was held at the level of the Speakers of Parliament. And again information has appeared in the news media and in our society that the CSTO Member States deliver arms to Azerbaijan. What is our position on this issue and what developments we can expect?

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Thank you for the question. You know that this issue is on the agenda both at the parliamentary and, moreover, at the governmental level. This question is always raised.

Within the framework of the CSTO we have a very extensive cooperation: during the last visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, the considerable part of the agenda also referred to our cooperation within the CSTO framework, joint programs on different and global platforms in terms of forming a unified CSTO position and united approaches on different security issues at the UN.

There are different issues related to the development of our global security agenda. Within the scope of the CSTO, the cooperation is rather dynamic.

As to this question, we are quite strict and sensitive to it. This issue is on our agenda, and we will constantly reflect on this issue. This is the situation. If there are any additional questions, I will answer them. Thank you.

Tigran Karapetyan: Thank you. Of course in terms of being informed we, the Standing Committee on Defense and Security are informed but I think that there is a necessity of providing some information to the society and from time to time we should be more active in the field of information related to the CSTO activities not to cover the fake news related to the CSTO and in general, we also think that we should work on this at the level of the Foreign Ministry. Thank you.

Zohrab Mnatsakanyan: Thank you for drawing our attention again to this. Once again I must reaffirm that it has been and is at the centre of our attention. You know our approach towards this issue:  that is, we don’t perceive it as a business, it is a weapon that is against our compatriots and of course you understand that it is of high sensitivity.