Syria’s Armenians: Fleeing war for new hardship in their ancestral land

With the war, thousands of Armenians who have lived in Syria for several generations, mainly in Aleppo, have sought refuge in Armenia. But for many of them, returning to the land of their ancestors is a disappointment.Armenia is poorer than pre-war Syria. Without work or prospects in their host country, and despite government and church handouts, many have difficulty making ends meet and hope to go back to Syria once peace returns.

Others dream of trying their luck in Europe or North America. Finally, some resign themselves to their situation and attempt to build a new life in this country that they do not know. Our reporters went to Yerevan to meet these Syrian Armenians.

Watch the FRANCE 24 Debate: Syria's Armenians: Christians Torn Between War-Hit Home and Exile

"http://www.france24.com/en/20121906-debate-syria-iraq-refugee-part-one/

By Sophie CLAUDET , François LESCALIER