Hranush Hakobian:

Armenians should unite to build strong and glorious country

PanARMENIAN.Net - 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.
Addressing 'Repatriation and its lessons: repatriation today' conference in Yerevan you said that the Armenian authorities should encourage the repatriation program in every possible way. What exactly should be done to that end?

Yes, we will encourage our compatriots to return to the homeland. Ari Tun (Come Home) program includes not only physical return of Armenians. Our task is to remind our compatriots that they are Armenians. We are confident that once a young Armenian sees his homeland, he will be eager to make his contribution to its development. Our huge Diaspora, which numbers some 10 million people throughout the globe, should use its spiritual and financial potential for development of Armenia.

We should unite not only in sorrow but also in order to build a strong and prosperous Armenia. Many people say that the repatriation program demands creation of special conditions but I think all Armenians should live and work under equal conditions.

There are plenty of talented people in Diaspora, who are not known in Armenia. Does the Ministry plan any program to make them famous in the homeland too?

This is a very topical question. The Ministry is developing an annual project titled 'Days of Honor'. In 2009, these Days will be dedicated to renowned Charles Aznavour, Kirk Krkorian and Alek Manookian. If the project succeeds, we will dedicate a month to one of outstanding Diaspora representatives. Our poor awareness about the Diaspora and vice versa is one of our gravest mistakes. Everyone in Armenia must know who Alek Manookian was.

The most numerous Armenian community lives in Russia. Don't you think that it doesn't use its potential completely for Armenia's development? How do you assess the level of its self-organization?

A great deal of work should be carried out with the Armenian community of Russia. At that Armenians in each region of Russia should be treated in a special way. Besides, I am glad that we can cooperate with the Union of Armenians of Russia to achieve better results and maintain Armenianhood. We know that the society and Diaspora have big expectation from our work but we will need time to realize all our plans.
---