MOSCOW, April 02. /ITAR-TASS/. Armenia has been doing its utmost to ensure the interests of compatriots in Syria, as follows from the latest statements by the country's chief diplomat.

“About 120,000 ethnic Armenians live in Syria - in Kessab and other areas. Military actions and the humanitarian situation have forced ethnic Armenians to leave the city. About 700 families are staying in Latakia, Syria’s principal sea port. About 70-80 families have found shelter in churches,” Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian said on Wednesday.

“Ethnic Armenians in Kessab are in dire need of humanitarian aid. We have made corresponding statements. We have sent letters to different international organizations, including to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon,” he said.

“We praise Russia’s reaction to the events,” Nalbandian said.

“Al Qaeda-linked armed groups have penetrated into Kessab from Turkey. We should prevent terrorists from penetrating into Syria and attacking peaceful civilians,” he said.