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Q&A: Why Armenia is rolling out diaspora bonds for development

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Babken DerGrigorian, an economic adviser and deputy minister of diaspora for Armenia.

NEW YORK — Armenia’s vast diaspora, estimated at 7-10 million people worldwide, is far larger than the resident population of this small, post-Soviet nation. The new Armenian government is now planning to leverage the support of its diaspora community for long-term, sustainable development work.

The government came to power earlier this year following a nonviolent protest movement, which saw opposition leader Nikol Pashinyan established as the country’s new interim prime minister. The change in leadership has been accompanied by a shift in how the government is approaching implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Babken DerGrigorian, an economic adviser and deputy minister of diaspora for Armenia, joined the government in May. A native Californian of Armenian descent, he has an idea to fund development investment: Diaspora bonds. It’s a model that Israel and India have both used effectively, but it has been less successful in other places, such as Ethiopia.

The establishment of government-issued diaspora bonds — which Armenians outside the country could invest in, instead of funneling money into charities, as many of them currently do — is now underway. The government expects to release a formal strategy by the end of the year.

DerGrigorian spoke with Devex about how diaspora bonds function and why he believes this development strategy could work for Armenia. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

How did you develop the concept of a diaspora bond for Armenians?

We have a diaspora that is already very involved in charity, but the point is to leverage a small amount of charity intention for a much greater financial impact. These government bonds generally will be lower than the market rate of return, but still better than putting your money in a bank account. It is a win-win situation, in the sense that the government also gets access to cheaper credit on the international market, usually local currency.

The proposition you make to the diaspora is that instead of giving away money to charity as a donation, [you can] use your charity intention to take on the risk associated with local currency bonds.

“The diaspora’s financial contributions to Armenia should not only be based on some emotional attachment. It should rationally make sense for both parties to be sustainable in the long run.”

— Babken DerGrigorian, economic adviser and deputy minister of diaspora for Armenia

In general, governments use this money for development-related projects. In our case, it will all be used for SDG-related work, to move Armenia closer to SDG implementation, but of course just general national development projects also.

What made you consider diaspora bonds as an option that could work for Armenia in particular?

This is something I have been researching for a while, especially because I am diasporan. The Armenian diaspora relationship has always had a financial component to it, but essentially it has always been a charity-based relationship. I started thinking about how that money could be spent in a much better way for development projects. It slowly snowballed from there. We had our [political] revolution and I ended up in this position. It is the perfect opportunity to make something like this happen, especially since the revolution was very positively received in the diaspora.

Are people from the Armenian diaspora primarily supporting Armenia through donations or remittances? 

It is both. The new diaspora generally has been more remittance based, and the traditional has been more [focused] toward charity and benevolent work. For example, the All Armenia Fund has held an [annual] telethon since 1994, and has raised about $300 million [so far]. While this might not seem like a lot, we know the charitable intention is already there … Our goal with the diaspora bonds is to leverage this for much greater financial power.

So the idea is to transform charity donations into something that is more sustainable?

Yes, and it is about moving from the emotional field to a more rational relationship. The diaspora’s financial contributions to Armenia should not only be based on some emotional attachment. It should rationally make sense for both parties to be sustainable in the long run.

How much money is the government hoping these bonds can generate?

This will ultimately depend on the strategy we settle on, but my view is that the first — and perhaps second — issuance is going to be a proof of concept with a short maturity, which will be used to demonstrate the viability of the instrument and ensure trust among the diaspora.

As such, I’d like to see these funds used to finance ring-fenced development projects with direct revenue generating capacity, such as solar panel farms … Eventually, I’d like to see an annual issuance of diaspora bonds with longer term maturity, for more general budgetary support, but again aimed at development projects — perhaps those without a direct revenue stream but with high multiplier effects for broader economic growth.

What are the biggest gaps in Armenia’s development work that need more support? 

This is going to help us move forward on our SDG implementation. That is one of the necessities of any project we do.

The money is going to end up [benefiting] infrastructure, education, and energy, initially. But it is important to set up the parameters of what types of projects we want to do and what ministries can offer.

By Amy Lieberman,

Source: https://www.devex.com/news/q-a-why-armenia-is-rolling-out-diaspora-bonds-for-development-93275

Minister of the Armenian Diaspora Plans to Make Staff Changes

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Armenian Diaspora Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan said on Monday that he intends to make staff changes.

He said that the changes will not be purges and that everything will be decided after taking into account the criteria of effectiveness.

Mkhitar Hayrapetyan emphasized that the combination of experience and youth in the ministry was his main goal.

“There will be no hasty decisions,” he said. “I am eager to work with the existing team, and I am confident that we will be able to solve all the problems we face.”

Commenting on fears that he is too young to fulfill his duties, he said the fears are justified, but he will work hard to produce results.

The minister also said that the team he works in will rid the country of corruption and solve major problems.

He said that at the time of Republican rule, all areas were corrupt and he expressed confidence that the team would succeed in eradicating corruption.

Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, 27, is the youngest cabinet minister.

He graduated from Yerevan State University with a degree in Science Specialist.

Mkhitar Hayrapetyan was engaged in organizing tours in Western Armenia. He is a member of the Civil Contract Party led by Nikol Pashinyan. Within the party, he was responsible for relations with Armenian communities around the world.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018,
Stéphane © armenews.com

15-day military service for Diaspora Armenians

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Acts of valor by the Armenian Armed Forces have always been the source of inspirational stories about heroism, especially after 2016 April War. Current challenges and obstacles combine inspiration with discontent, picturing a contradictory image of the Armed Forces. Armenian Ministry of Defense in cooperation with Arar Civilizational Research Foundation launched Marar pilot program, which allows Armenian diasporans to personally get acquainted with the Armenian Army. This program became the practical expression of the essential “Diaspora-Army” idea.

10 Armenian young men from around the world were “called up” for military service on August 21. They lived in military reality for 15 days, exercising, practicing shooting, visiting military units, combat position and bordering communities.

Executive Director of Arar George Tabakyan said that the program is aimed encouraging repatriation, as well as creating connection between young Armenian diasporans and the Armenian Army. The organizers hope that participants would probably wish to become a part of the Armed Forces, through which they discovered Armenia.

“The Armenian diaspora has mainly emotional perception of our Army. They have not yet understood what Army is about and why we attach so much importance to having one.  The diaspora has always admired Armenian fedayis. Armenia needed them at some point in history, and of course, we are grateful and respect all of them. Nevertheless, it is necessary now to strengthen the Armenian Army, and professional military service is an important tool to bring our goal into reality. The work of servicemen should become attractive and demanded,” George Tabakyan said.

The program involves healthy young men (aged 20-35) without previous convictions, who did not escape military service. Soon after the completion of registration, the representatives of the program study all applications in detail. Participants take care of their transportation to Armenia and pay a fee that covers accommodation, food, uniform, insurance. The program received 15 applications this year.

32-year-old Davit Sargsyan left Armenia at the age of 8, and this was his first visit since. He says that his age and family status do not allow him to think about military service, yet he decided to see the Armenian Army with his own eyes rather than just listen to what people tell about it.

“First and foremost I wanted to visit Armenia. Secondly, I wished to get acquainted with the Armenian Armed Forces, live like a serviceman and see historical monuments, involved in the program.”

The organizers have not yet summed up Marar, but they already speak about successes. Participants understood what army is about and how it works. One of them even expressed the desire to get Armenian citizenship.

George Tabakyan said that diaspora has been highly interested in the Armenian Armed Forces after the April War in 2016. They have organized a number of fundraising campaigns, aimed at supporting the Army and families of the deceased. Many people in Armenia and diaspora asked themselves questions about their role and responsibilities if the situation repeats. The initiators of Marar hope that participation in this program will encourage young Armenians diasporans to fill the ranks of the Armenian servicemen.

“Around 800-1000 families repatriate to Armenia every year. They start businesses, create jobs and make investments. We are hopeful that there are also many Armenian diasporans ready to work in the Armed Forces. It is not about money, it is about the necessity of developing this profession in our country. Armenian Minister of Defense Vigen Sargsyan also noted that the Armed Forces are open to diaspora. We should make sure that if diasporans want to serve in the army, they can easily do it,” Executive Director of Arar said.

The initiative inspired both participants and servicemen. Major Vazgen Kocharyan thinks about welcoming a new group, while he has not yet said goodbye to this one. He remarked that the program was equally efficient for participants and soldiers.

“I and my fellow servicemen inspire our friends and relatives a lot when we tell them about professionals from various areas coming to Armenia from around the world to spend 15 days in the Armenian Army.

Participants can also tell their stories to everyone, describe what servicemen wear or eat, what kind of knowledge they get, so that their fellows also wish to serve in the Army.”

On September 3, the organizers will sum up the first stage of Marar and announce the start of the next one. The intervals between the stages will be determined depending on the number of applicants.

Military units are not yet ready to accept girls, but organizers plan their “call-up” in the future. Probably one of the groups will involve exclusively girls.

Lusine Gharibyan
Photos: Arar Foundation

Source: http://www.mediamax.am/en/news/special-report/24862/

Civil Society Organizations in Armenia Call for Greater Political Participation of Diaspora

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With this open letter we, a group of civil society and human rights organizations from Armenia appeal to Diaspora Armenians – individuals, organizations and non-formal groups – to take an active stance in the political life of Armenia.

We have always felt the great love of Diaspora for our country and are indeed grateful for immense and tireless support that our compatriots abroad were rendering to the people of Armenia throughout many years. However, since Armenia’s independence in 1991, we have lived – and you have witnessed – the heart-breaking conditions of our country: poverty, depopulation, and the slow surrender of our national sovereignty. Continuously rigged elections and political corruption have concentrated almost all socio economic power in the hands of an unrepresentative oligarchic elite. Natural resources are depleted to serve short-term and small group interests; poverty and social injustice grow in parallel with the remarkably improving welfare of a number of decision-makers. Civic and political rights of citizens are systematically violated, peaceful assemblies against the injustice are brutally cracked down and the controlled judiciary fails to ensure fair judgments, increasing the number of political prisoners. After all, the 4-day war of April 2016 revealed how the uncontrolled and unpunished corruption exhausts the resources of the Armenian Army and threatens the security of Armenia.

Twenty-five years after the Independence, we can no longer consider these conditions to be the birth-pains of a new republic. Though it may not seem apparent upon first glance, the lack of democracy underpins nearly all other national issues. Indeed, democracy is at the heart of nation-building in the 21st century.

We, the undersigned, have worked and fought tirelessly for rule of law and democracy in Armenia. We have developed the infrastructure and activated our citizens in monitoring elections – the single most fundamental process of democracy. But our resources have been limited.

We are writing to tell you that we need you. Not your donations or remittances, but you – your spirit and physical presence in Armenia – here on the ground, at the voting precincts – engaging, observing, and taking ownership of your role in this historic quest for Armenian democracy.

The upcoming Parliamentary Elections are of paramount importance for the country. As a result of the Constitutional Referendum of 2015, which was itself marred by rampant corruption, Armenia now begins its transition to a parliamentary republic. This means there will be no further presidential elections, and the upcoming Parliamentary Elections will decide the future of Armenia.

We urge all the Diaspora organizations, institutions and active individuals to join us in our endeavors and render your support to promote justice, human rights, free and fair elections, accountable governance, civil rights and dignity. Get in touch with us, come to us and let’s walk this path together.

The future of Armenia is democratic, and that future begins today, with your participation and solidarity.

Join us!

Find out how to join our election observation efforts by visiting www.citizenobserver.am or emailing info@citizenobserver.am. We encourage all Armenians of the Diaspora to join, regardless of age, citizenship, political affiliation, or fluency in Armenian.

Signed,

Transparency International Anticorruption Center

Journalists Club “Asparez”

Europe in Law Association

Helsinki Citizens Assembly Vanadzor

Goris Journalists Club

Centre for Community Mobilization and Support

“Sose” NGO

National Young Women’s Christian Association of Armenia

Northern Branch of Eurasia Partnership Foundation

“Peace Dialogue” NGO

Women’s Resource Center

“Public Information and Need of Knowledge” NGO

Foundation against the Violation of Law

“Guarantee” Center of Civil Society

Lori Citizens’ Union

“LogoS” NGO”.

PASADENA, Calif: Armenian Pops Orchestra to Perform ‘Sounds of the Diaspora’ on March 26

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Greg-hosharianPASADENA, Calif.—The Armenian Pops Orchestra, conducted by Greg Hosharian, will perform on Sunday, March 26 at The Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. The concert, which benefits the Edward Hosharian Scholarship Fund, starts at 6pm and tickets can be purchased online at www.itsmyseat.com/hosharian.

“Sounds of the Diaspora” chronicles the plight of the Armenian people who were forced to flee their homeland during the genocide. Survivors had to scatter to foreign lands with little money or belongings, and the music performed by the Armenian Pops Orchestra reflects their adopted cultures of Russia, the Middle East, Greece, South America, Georgia, the United States and, of course, their beloved Armenia.

“Sounds of the Diaspora is a culmination of genres that I’m passionate about,” said Conductor Greg Hosharian. “Chamber music, jazz, Armenian classical – it’s music that I love. What better way to tell the story of the Armenian people than through music, a medium that transcends age, gender and culture.”

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Edward Hosharian Scholarship Fund, named in honor of Greg Hosharian’s father, the late composer and conductor. Edward Hosharian was a devoted and tireless advocate for the Armenian community of Southern California and is still remembered by his friends and colleagues for his musical virtuosity, engaging wit and courageous spirit. The Scholarship Fund was established after his untimely death in 1990 to assist Armenian students in pursuit of their educational goals in music. Applicants, majoring in music performance or composition, must be of Armenian descent, be full-time students at an accredited college or university in the United States, whose status is as sophomore or above, and in need of financial assistance.

“My dad was an educator,” added Hosharian. “He taught music right here in Los Angeles at Roosevelt High and was director of the marching band. After immigrating to the United States at age nine from Kiev, Ukraine, he was able to fulfill his dream by writing a ballet version of the opera Anoush, which premiered in New York in 1975. I know he’d be so proud of the work we are doing on his behalf.”

Greg Hosharian, who will premiere his original work, Castle, will also welcome to the stage vocalist Ayline Amirayan, pianist Siranush Sandaldjian Modrek, and guest conductor Tigran Arakelyan, a 2015 Edward Hosharian Scholarship recipient, to perform works by Aram Khachaturian, Edward Hosharian, Ara Gevorgyan, Robert Amirkhanyan, Mikis Theodorakis, Boris Fomin and Amo Babajanyan.

“Sounds of the Diaspora” performed by the Armenian Pops Orchestra and conducted by Greg Hosharian will take place Sunday, March 26 at 6pm at The Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. Tickets are available online at itsmyseat.com/hosharian. For more information on the Armenian Pops Orchestra or the Edward Hosharian Scholarship Fund, please call 323.722.3965 or visit armenianpopsorchestra.com.

Albania’s diaspora plans to seize Serbian mission in U.S. or Europe: Serbia FM

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Serbia’s Foreign Ministry has information that one of the country’s diplomatic missions in the U.S. or Europe may come under siege, ahead of the trial of former Kosovo guerrilla commander and Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj, RT reports.

“We have information that the Albanian diaspora is plotting a takeover of one of our diplomatic or consular missions in the United States or Europe in order to make Serbia drop its demand to [try] Haradinaj,” Serbian Foreign Minister Ivica Dacic said Monday, January 9 speaking to Radio Television of Serbia.

The official added that Belgrade received the data from western intelligence services.

“This information came from a Western country, and the data included names and surnames of people, the name of the state, and the fact that our embassy or consulate may become a target,” Dacic said, as cited by TASS news agency.

The details were not made public. Serbia has an EU diplomatic mission in Brussels, Belgium, as well as embassies in individual member states, and in the U.S..

“It shows the lengths that Albanian politicians are willing to go – even terrorism,” the Serbian foreign minister was quoted as saying by Serbian media outlet Blic.

It comes a few days after Serbian Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic declared that Belgrade would demand the extradition of Ramush Haradinaj from France.

Haradinaj was a rebel commander in the Kosovo Liberation Army in the 1998-99 conflict, and Serbia accuses him of war crimes against ethnic Serbs. He has denied any wrongdoing.

“Serbia will not give up the prosecution of Haradinaj or anyone who has committed crimes against th Serbian people,” Dacic said.

Serbia does not recognize Kosovo as an independent state, still considering it a part of Serbia – as do five out of 28 EU members: Spain, Slovakia, Romania, Greece, and Cyprus.

Related links:

RT. Albania’s diaspora plans to seize Serbian mission in US or Europe – Serbia’s foreign minister

Arsinee Khanjian calls for the Diaspora to be deeper engaged with Armenian political processes

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arsinee-khanjian-diasporaArmenian-Canadian actress and producer Arsinee Khanjian has urged the Diaspora Armenians around the world to actively participate in Armenia’s political processes and make their voice heard in the country’s forthcoming elections.

“Along with number of like-minded Armenians we are undertaking an election observation mission aimed at bringing Diaspora compatriots’ participation, their engagement with political processes of Armenia during the 2017 Parliamentary Elections, to have their say in a cause of having a more democratic country based on rule of law” Khanjian told at a discussion on Monday devoted to the first steps of the “Justice Within Armenia” Initiative.

To note, the initiative, which appeared two months ago in the form of a petition on change.org is a call by prominent Armenians throughout the world for ‘the fundamental preservation and protection of human rights, direct engagement in fair and transparent elections, respect for the rule of law, democratic change through civic engagement with the citizenry of Armenia”.

Khanjyan informed, that several organized groups in the Diaspora are actively working toward the implementation of the initiative steps and are receiving membership applications throughout the Diaspora.

“They will be equipped with necessary knowledge to conduct monitoring mission within a clearly planned coordination of their activity in Armenia,” said Khanjian, adding the core group of the “Justice Within Armenia” initiative is formed abroad and comprise known intellectuals from Armenia as well with “thousands of Armenian citizens standing in solidarity’.

In the words of the Armenian-Canadian actress, it has been the high time for the Diaspora Armenians to bring their participation to the Armenian events, making use of their resources and contacts in the Diaspora. Khanjyan also expressed concern over what she described as ‘unhealthy political climate, human rights violations, poor economic indicators, lack of justice and migration’ in the homeland.

“The diaspora is much concerned with all the aforementioned,” Khanjian explained.

To remind, Arsinee Khanjian’s quick involvement into the Armenian politics came in the aftermath of the July events, when she was among the active supporters of the armed group members that violently broke into a police station in Yerevan, resulted in days long hostage standoff with three police officers killed and dozens of wounded, including some members of the armed group.

In one of the episodes Khanjian was detained by the police ‘due to public safety reasons’ in a daily gathering in front of the seized police station, that the actress attended regularly.

Hours later the police apologized to her and released.

Afterwards, Arsinee Khanjian expressed her intention to be engaged with Armenian politics in an interview with “Azatutyun” radio station.

 

Source Panorama.am

Harut Sassounian: Armenia and Diaspora in quest for a new start

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harut-sassounian-740-400Ever since Armenia’s independence, the Armenian world has been divided into three loose categories: those supporting or in some capacity interacting with the government; various opposition groups; and those who are independent or inactive. Regrettably, there has been hardly any effort to bridge the gap between these groups. On the contrary, there has been plenty of harsh rhetoric, accusations, and confrontations.

Even though the Armenian government and the opposition have different priorities, Armenians everywhere share a common set of interests and concerns regarding — the economy, human rights, rule of law, Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh) conflict, emigration, Diaspora’s survival, and securing justice from Turkey for the 1915 Genocide. The authorities have been preoccupied with governing the country and securing Armenia’s and Artsakh’s borders, while the opposition has focused on fighting corruption and pursuing transparent elections.

In recent months, for the first time in the last quarter century, one can see the first glimmer of hope that serious changes are on Armenia’s horizon. Possibly motivated by the recent turmoil in Yerevan and upcoming parliamentary elections, the government seems intent on carrying out serious reforms by appointing a competent technocrat as Prime Minister and giving him a carte blanche. Indeed, within a short period of time, the new PM has dismissed several untouchable sacred cows!

As Prime Minister Garen Karapetyan has energetically moved forward with long overdue reforms, he has confounded both the power elite and those in opposition. By his actions, Mr. Karapetyan has discomforted many high-ranking officials who had felt that their jobs and incomes were secure for life! Meanwhile, the opponents of the regime are also in a quandary of how to react and what to expect from the new head of government. Some have rushed to express their lack of trust by stating that nothing will change as long as the current leaders remain in office, while others have adopted a more reasonable wait and see attitude! The Prime Minister recently warned all sides that he would not hang around a single day longer if he saw that his efforts were fruitless!

Another significant recent development has been the reawakening of the Diaspora after a lengthy period of dormancy. Last September, 30 prominent Armenians, including Serj Tankian, Atom Egoyan, Alexis Ohanian, Chris Bohjalian, Eric Bogosian, and Sebu Simonian issued a petition on change.org, calling for ‘Justice Within Armenia.’ So far over 4,000 individuals have signed this petition.

A few days later, Canadian-Armenian actress Arsinee Khanjian issued a highly critical Open Letter after being detained by Armenian police during a protest in Yerevan on July 27. Khanjian outlined the government’s shortcomings, urging Diaspora Armenians not to be “ambivalent bystanders” and engage in transforming the social conditions in Armenia.

On October 28, another group of 23 prominent Armenians, including Abel Aganbegyan, Charles Aznavour, Edward Djerejian, Vartan Gregorian, and Ruben Vardanyan, issued another Open Letter urging “Global Armenians…to unite and together enable Armenia’s future.” The signatories called on “all Armenians to engage in pioneering and long-term investment to restore the social, economic, cultural, and technological strengths of the nation, with Armenia at its core.” The Open Letter was published in The New York Times and Hayastani Hanrapetutyoun.

What Armenia really needs is a full partnership with the Diaspora to accomplish all the suggested reforms in the above-mentioned petition and two open letters. The government should welcome the participation of all Armenians to improve the country’s social, economic, political, and military structures in order to create a just, prosperous, well governed, and secure Homeland!

The only way to transform Armenia into a highly-developed and democratic country is to welcome the involvement of as many of the 10 million Armenians worldwide as possible, regardless of their country of residence. Since Armenia (including Artsakh) is the Homeland of all Armenians, everyone has the right and obligation to contribute to its Renaissance!

The major missing factor from the foregoing petition and open letters is a mechanism for organizing the Diaspora to sustain its own continued existence, while extending crucial assistance to the Homeland in a coordinated and systematic manner. To accomplish this imperative objective, Armenians need to establish a democratically-elected Diaspora structure with representatives in Armenia’s Parliament!

Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com

Armenian PM: We want Diaspora to more actively participate in economic life of Armenia

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armenian-pm-with-aaaYEREVAN. – We want the Diaspora to have more active participation in the economic life of Armenia.

Armenian Premier Karen Karapetyan said the aforementioned at the meeting with President of the Board of Trustees of Armenian Assembly of America (AAA) Carolyn Mugar and Co-President Anthony Barsamian Saturday.

The meeting was also attended by AAA Board of Trustees member Raffi Kasarjian and AAA regional director Arpi Vartanian, the Government press-service reports.

The Premier welcomed and underscored the importance of the pro-Armenian activity of the Armenian Assembly of America (AAA), which is aimed at enhancing the Armenia-Diaspora ties and deepening Armenian-American relations.

The AAA representatives congratulated Karapetyan on his appointment as the republic’s prime minister, assuring that AAA will continue to work actively towards the further development of Armenia and implementation of pan-Armenian programs.

The Premier noted that the current Government program provides for speedy reforms with the involvement of the entire potential of all Armenians. He considered as a priority the programs aimed at promoting investments, improving business climate, as well as raising education level, especially in rural communities.

Underscoring the importance of involving Armenia-Diaspora ties in the sectoral development of economy, Karapetyan noted:  “New economic relations need to be established in the country. The Government is ready to take up the function of investment ‘activeness’ promoter in Armenia and work with international investors to prove that engaging in business and making investments in Armenia is safe and merely beneficial. We want the Diaspora’s participation in Armenia’s economic life to be more active and targeted. We want you to participate in our programs not only within charity and investment initiatives, but also in terms of introducing new governance culture and serving the knowledge and potential of our best specialists for pan-Armenian needs.”

Issues related to reconsidering Armenia-Diaspora ties, preservation of Armenian identity, as well as cooperation programs between Armenia and AAA were also discussed at the meeting.

Harut Sassounian: Should diaspora Armenians meddle in Armenia’s affairs?

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harut-sassounianNot everyone agrees whether Diaspora Armenians should meddle in the Armenia Republic’s internal affairs. Perhaps ‘meddle’ is not the right word, but getting involved and caring deeply about developments in the homeland should be of great interest to all Armenians, since that is their country of origin.

Diaspora’s role in Armenia was raised last month when 20 prominent Armenians, mostly from the Diaspora, issued a petition titled “Justice Within Armenia” on the Change.org website, calling on the Armenian government to implement radical reforms in the political, social and economic policies of the country. Since Sept. 19, close to 3,000 Armenians and non-Armenians from various countries have signed the petition.

Among the initial signatories of the petition are Serj Tankian, Atom Egoyan, Arsinee Khanjian, Alex Ohanian, Chris Bohjalian, Eric Bogosian, Hasmik Papian, and Sebu Simonian. The petitioners are asking for an end to “corruption, monopolies, judicial inequality, police brutality, partisan politics, unequal rights, national depopulation, and elections tainted by fraud.”

The signatories also stated that they stand for “the equality of all people, the fundamental preservation of human rights, direct engagement in fair and transparent elections, respect for the rule of law, fair wages, separation of powers, a free press, and advocacy for the disenfranchised.”

The petitioners are further demanding that “Armenia’s political leaders embody integrity, accountability, wisdom, intelligence, diplomacy, compassion, effectiveness and visionary thinking in addressing the pressing needs of the people of Armenia, thereby securing an egalitarian, just and constructive path towards real democracy where every voice matters.”

As a concrete next step, the signatories are asking Armenians from around the world to be present as witnesses and observers at next spring’s parliamentary elections in Armenia.

One of the initiators of the petition, Canadian-Armenian actress Arsinee Khanjian, who was arrested during last July’s protests in Yerevan, circulated an open letter on the internet, calling Diaspora Armenians to action. Khanjian raised serious concerns about the current conditions in Armenia: “The country has major internal problems due to systemic corruption, nepotism and an oligarchic economy, where power and wealth remains in the hands of a few. Absence of equitable rule of law and upward social mobility combined with the suppression of freedom of speech and thought as well as civil liberties and rights have all further exacerbated an already intolerable situation in the Republic.”

Not surprisingly, some in Armenia resented the petition issued by the Diaspora Armenians and urged them to move to Armenia if they are truly interested in reforming the country.

While every Armenian should support the lofty goals expressed by the petitioners, some of their ideas are clearly wishful thinking. Not all of the proposed reforms are implemented even in the United States. But, I agree that Armenians should aspire to gradually achieve these objectives, although one has to be careful not to set impossible goals to attain, to save citizen of Armenia from further frustration and disappointment.

In my view, Diaspora Armenians should be involved in all aspects of life in Armenia, beyond signing petitions and making suggestions from afar. They should not be mere tourists in the homeland. One way to strengthen the bond between Armenia and the Diaspora is to allow Diaspora Armenians to vote and run for office in the Republic of Armenia. As is the practice in France and some other countries, several seats should be allocated in the Armenian Parliament to Diaspora Armenians who should be more than donors of funds or “milking cows!” Although Armenia’s constitution permits dual citizenship, very few Diaspora Armenians have taken advantage of this special privilege which can create another important bond with the homeland!

Gradually, as the rule of law is firmly established in Armenia and social inequalities become less pronounced, Diaspora Armenians will gain the confidence to invest in the homeland, which will result in creating jobs and reducing emigration. There may even be some immigration to Armenia from the Diaspora. The improved living conditions would also reduce confrontations with the authorities that could potentially destabilize the country at a time when neighboring Azerbaijan and Turkey are threatening Armenia’s security!

To make the Armenia-Diaspora relationship reciprocal, no one should resent if Armenian officials also ‘meddle’ in Diaspora Armenian communities. After all, it is of little importance who is meddling in whose turf, as long as the end result is in the best interest of all Armenians!

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com