For a long time, some in Armenia viewed Diaspora as a kind of "milch cow", without seriously thinking about its problems. Last year, Diaspora Ministry finally came into existence. In an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net, Minister of Diaspora Affairs Hranush Hakobyan introduced Ministry's achievements and further plans.

The establishment of the Armenian Ministry of Diaspora Affairs aroused hopes for strengthening and development of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and Diaspora in various fields. Besides, the Ministry intends to launch a repatriation program. PanARMENIAN.Net has requested Ms. Hranush Hakobian, the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, to comment on the plans and future activities of the Ministry.

The visit of Turkish President Abdullah Gul to Yerevan stirred up a wave of comments both in Armenia and abroad. There was certainly a feedback from American Armenians, who are mostly the heirs of Genocide survivors. Harut Sassounian, the publisher of The California Courier, the oldest independent English-language Armenian newspaper in the United States, presents his view to PanARMENIAN.Net.

The Armenian community of Istanbul is one of the oldest and at the same time the most vulnerable. It's rather hard to live in Turkey and remain an Armenian. But life goes on and the community grows in number, mostly thanks to migrants from Armenia. Nevertheless, there are taboos people are unable to lift, despite Turkey's aspiration to join the European family. Editor-in-chief of Zhamanak Istanbul-based Armenian-language newspaper, Ara Kochunyan tells PanARMENIAN.Net about the everyday life of the Armenian community.

The Armenian communities are scattered throughout the globe, each experiencing the 'syndrome of national minority' which sometimes hampers integration in the society. Under circumstances, it is very hard to maintain unique identity, language, traditions and culture. Primate of the Georgian Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church, Bishop Vazgen Mirzakhanyan comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the life of the Armenian community in Georgia.

Developments in Lebanon engross Armenia's attention, since the most numerous Armenian community lives there. Armenian Genocide survivors and their heirs, who found shelter in Lebanon, have become full-fledged Lebanese citizens and share hardships that befall their country. Editor-in-chief of Beirut-based Azdak newspaper Shahan Kankhadaryan comments on current situation to PanARMENIAN.Net.

Armenian communities in Middle East, specifically in Lebanon, unwillingly appear in the midst of civil wars which burst in the unstable region from time to time. Moreover, the Armenian communities should oppose the anti-Armenian propaganda launched by Turkey and Azerbaijan. PanARMENIAN.Net requested the RA Ambassador to Armenia to Lebanon, Vahan Ter-Ghevondyan to comment on life of the Armenian community in Lebanon.

Georgia is the only outlet to the sea for Armenia, that is why the Armenian-Georgian relations are in the limelight of politicians in both states. The relations are not simple: Georgia's participation in communication and energy projects bypassing Armenia undermines friendly relations between the countries. Javakhk is another major problem. Expert at the Caucasus Media Institute, historian and political scientist Sergei Minasyan comments on the situation to PanARMENIAN.Net.

Developments in the Near East can change the balance of forces in the region and influence on Armenia's relations with Turkey and Iran. The main player in the region is the U.S., which is interested in stability in the Near East and Caucasus. This power's wish to push Russia from the South Caucasus, specifically from Armenia, is also an important factor. Professor of international relations and politics of the Universidad de San Andrés in Buenos Aires, Dr Khachik Ter-Ghukassian comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the ongoing events in the region and their possible impact on Armenia.

Will the U.S. prefer the Armenian Genocide recognition or good relations with Turkey? This is a popular topic of conversation among American experts. The recent developments in Turkey jeopardize secularism and question the rectitude of the U.S. administration. Van Krikorian, Co-chair of the Turkish Armenian Reconciliation Commission (TARC) comments to PanARMENIAN.Net on the current situation.