Armenia’s MFA condemns terrorist act in Syria which claimed lives of Armenian priests

Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement condemning the terrorist act in Deir ez-Zor province of Syria.

“We condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist act committed in Deir ez-Zor province of Syria, which claimed the lives of two priests - a father and a son - Pastor of the Armenian Catholic Community of Qamishli, Father Hovsep Petoyan and Father Abraham Petoyan. A deacon of the church was also injured,” the statement said.

“The two priests lost their lives while  serving the war-torn community of Deir ez-Zor. According to various sources, the ISIL terrorist organization claimed responsibility for the killing of the priests.

The military invasion in the North-East of Syria last month and the subsequent resurgence of terrorist groups and their activities make the civilian population, including ethnic and religious minorities, particularly vulnerable.  The ongoing identity-based persecutions and killings should be decisively condemned by the international community,” the MFA said in the statement, expressing deepest condolences and sympathy to the relatives of the victims, the Armenian Catholic community and to all Syrian Armenians and wishing them fortitude, endurance and strength of spirit in overcoming this tragic incident.

“Armenia will continue its humanitarian support to contribute to the stabilization of the humanitarian situation in Syria,” the statement concluded.