President Serzh Sargsyan called on one of the earliest Armenian diasporas in the world to “cast their views back to Armenia” as he visited an Armenian community in the extreme south of Ukraine earlier this week.

Along with His Holiness Karekin II, the Catholicos of All Armenians, and several government members Sargsyan on Tuesday attended in the Crimea the celebrations of the 650th anniversary of the foundation of the Armenian Holy Cross (Surb Khach) Church that has undergone major renovations due to the efforts of local Armenians and assistance from Ukrainian authorities.

“The Republic of Armenia bears certain responsibility before the Armenian community. And Armenia in its turn needs you, we want you to keep your views focused on Armenia, we assure you that each of you have a place and things to do in Armenia. You have a home in Armenia,” Sargsyan said addressing Crimean Armenians, as quoted by his press service.