At the presentation of the Strong Armenia party, Gohar Ghumashyan, a member of the coordinating council of the Mer Dzevov movement, said that being Armenian is not merely a status, but daily work required by the homeland.

She called on representatives of the diaspora to return, stressing that Armenia needs them and that this is not an obligation, but an opportunity.

“The main battle for Armenia this year cannot take place without you. Come back,” Ghumashyan urged, according to Panorama.am .

She referred to the history of the formation of the Armenian diaspora, noting that it emerged at different times and for various reasons, and placed particular emphasis on the labor diaspora.

“Since 1991, about 1.4 million citizens of Armenia have left the country, and in the past five years more than 140,000 people have departed. That means 77 people have left Armenia every day — about 20 families daily.

An Armenian who has succeeded abroad has always stood by the homeland and considered it an honor to support it. And those who may have even the slightest doubt about the patriotic and nation-serving activities of the diaspora should look every year on April 24 and see where the conscience of the world walks, illuminated by candlelight,” Ghumashyan said.

According to her, the diaspora has acted as an ambassador of Armenian interests worldwide and has remained devoted to the homeland, yet in return has often faced accusations and even entry bans affecting many dignified representatives.

“With Samvel Karapetyan, you will have the right to shape the country’s future — not only the right to speak, but also to act. As citizens of Armenia, you have the right to determine the fate of our country without fearing whether your patriotism will be punished by an entry ban, as is the case now,” Ghumashyan stated.