Armenian Prime Minister Meets Armenian Community in Washington

WASHINGTON—Welcoming attendees at a meeting held on his behalf in Washington, D.C., by the local Armenian community, the Prime Minister of Armenia Hovik Abrahamian said, “For over a century now, Armenians have settled in this remote, but hospitable overseas country, which is so generous in opportunities. Living and working in the United States for several decades, you have become an integral part of this country, bringing your valuable contributions to its development in all spheres of life. We are proud of American-Armenians’ impressive achievements that have earned them a worthy place in this country’s history, winning its people’s respect and appreciation.”

Hovik Abrahamian said that following the restoration of Armenia’s independence, strong interstate bonds have been built up between Armenia and the United States based on mutual trust and respect.

“U.S.-Armenia relations are developing rapidly and that is also due to the contributions made by Armenians in the U.S. I would single out the furtherance of economic exchanges, which calls for consistent efforts. We in Armenia feel stronger with the Diaspora’s support. It would be hard to overestimate the importance of those patriotic activities led by Armenian organizations, as well as the individuals serving on different government agencies, who keep introducing pro-Armenian projects, protecting Armenia’s and Artsakh’s vital interests,” the Prime Minister said.

The Premier noted that the Homeland-Diaspora partnership is a strategic focus for the government of Armenia. “Open for partnership with Diaspora Armenians, we are ready to provide them with broader investments opportunities. We have been developing a set of advantages for them to launch businesses in the Motherland. The Government of Armenia is the guarantor of such privileges. Armenia is inseparable from the Diaspora, therefore, the problems of the Diaspora-Armenians stand high on our agenda. The Government is doing everything within its power to relieve the plight of our compatriots in the Middle East, Syria and Iraq,” Abrahamian said.

Speaking about the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, Abrahamian said, “We will continue with our consolidated effort to reach a worldwide acknowledgment and condemnation of the Genocide. Our approach is simple: the crime committed against the Armenian people is a crime against humanity and, therefore, we see the international recognition and condemnation of the Armenian Genocide as the best way to prevent future genocides. Authorities in Armenia will spare no effort to restore historical justice. I do believe that the respect of our ancestors’ memory implies not only struggling for our national goals, but also strengthening the Homeland by contributing with each Armenian’s talent and skills. Having a powerful Armenia, we will be closer to the triumph of justice.”

The Prime Minister said that the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict remains unresolved. Azerbaijan is abiding by a paramilitary policy, nurtured with a petrodollars-fed arms race. Turkey, in turn, has assumed a biased posture and continues with the decades-long blockade of Armenia.

“All these factors make us show flexibility and circumspection in our foreign policy. Committed to the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia is nonetheless prepared to retaliate in a war imposed on us and protect Armenia’s population and its borders. The Armenia-Artsakh-Diaspora trinity is the key to success. Our nation’s modern history has shown that only through joint effort will we be able to overcome the internal and external challenges faced by Armenians,” Hovik Abrahamian concluded.

Wrapping up his speech, the Premier emphasized, “While you cannot live in the Motherland, you can live with Armenia by taking pride in its achievements.”