Although theRepublicofFrancelegally sanctioned the marriage between Hamlet and Juanna Zeynalyan, the country has deported Hamlet and separated the newly established family.

Hamlet was caught by the French police by chance and deported immediately because he had no residence permit. He was told thatFrancewasn't barring his way into the country, but just wanted that way be legal.

“I realize that the demand of French authorities is fair, and I have to join my family through the legal route. But there are some circumstances that make this a difficult problem. The legal route might keep me away from my family for several years. My daughter is one-and-a-half years old, and she is growing up without me,” said Hamlet Zeynalyan, who is now inArmenia.

The French court is in the process of determining whether Hamlet may be granted a residence permit to live with his family. Hamlet was alarmed, however, when the judge averred recently that a baby only needs a father's care during the first eight months. “The baby needs me now; I want to be with her, “ Hamlet said. “But it's the court that has to decide the status of my family.”

“There is another way,” he explained, “ but it's too long. My wife has to have a year of employment on record and living accommodations in order to call me toFrance, but that's impossible now, as she has just finished her education. Besides, the baby is too young and needs care. That way will take several years.”

Hamlet has been inArmeniafor two months and he misses his wife and baby. There is another serious concern - Hamlet's wife isn't working, though she bears sole responsibility for caring for the family and the baby.

The couple got acquainted on the Internet in 2003 and met inFrance, where Juanna had been living with her family for nine years. Hamlet visitedFranceon a tourist visa good for only twenty days. He stayed on longer though, applying to the relevant agencies for a residence permit. But the fact that he had violated the terms of his visa was used as legal grounds for turning down his application.

“Even if you ignore their laws just once, they'll turn you down on every issue later,” Hamlet said.

Hamlet explained that he would be willing to live with his wife in another country, all he wants is to be with his family. But his wife is disabled, and, with her education, will have better luck finding a job inFrance.

“I know she won't be able to find a job inArmenia, though her disability in no obstacle to education or employment inFrance. She would have problems with employment here whatever education she had. People don't pay attention to things like that there. Physical defects are not an obstacle for employment. I suggested that we move toArmenia, but I understand that that may cause bigger problems. My family lives in Charentsavan. I can't even find a job there myself.” Hamlet explained.

While applying to the relevant agencies for a residence permit, Hamlet based his request on the difficult working conditions inArmenia. He was turned down several times. His wife already has a residence permit, but has been denied citizenship because her husband is a foreigner.

“The issue of residency is viewed quite differently after marriage. To make that our marriage was real and not false, or not just a means to stay in France, people from the agency asked our neighbors, my baby's doctor, our French teacher if we indeed are married. I think they are already convinced; they should not have any doubt that our marriage is real.”