The debates on the law on dual citizenship were focused in the 'classic' Armenian Diaspora residing in the Near East, specifically in Lebanon, Shahan Kandaharian, the Editor-in-Chief of Azdak Beirut-based newspaper said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net. "As a matter of fact, this document is of utmost importance for Armenians who were deprived of homeland. The law will restore historical justice and a proper approach to the Diaspora. The former authorities prohibited dual citizenship over political reasons. Nowadays, the Armenianhood being dispersed throughout the globe has been offered a new outlook. We will join our efforts and the Diaspora will possess a document proving its existence at the international level. We, the people living beyond our fatherland, will know that our children will be citizens of Armenia. However, the discussion develops in two directions. First, you shouldn't forget that many people left Armenia during the recent years and adoption of the law will help them to restore or maintain Armenian citizenship. Second, the issue also needs consideration from the viewpoint of the European Neighborhood Policy. Armenia is integrating into European structures and the law must meet European standards. I suppose, neither of the EU member states bans dual citizenship. Thus, proceeding from the interests of the nation and the state, I am convinced that we all will benefit from the adoption of the law," he said.

Full text of the interview