International Orthodox Christian News

On Wednesday 11 March 2009, at the Main Hall of “Cilicia” Museum of the Catholicosate a significant number of scholars and intellectuals, met to discuss the document prepared by the Ministry of Relations with the Diaspora of the Government of Armenia. The event was placed under the auspices of His Holiness Aram I.

Bishop Nareg Alemezian welcomed the participants and opened the session with some introductory remarks. He first described diaspora communities outside Armenia and the challenges they face in the modern world. He also addressed challenges to Armenia and to its intellectuals. He then informed the audience of the new Ministry for the Diaspora and the document entitled “Envisioning the Armenian Diaspora” they had prepared, and invited the panelist to analyze and comment. The two panelists Mr. Hagop Balian, Editor of ‘Pakin’ Literary Journal and Mr. Aharon Shekherdemian, Editor in Chief of ‘Ararat’ Daily Newspaper.

Hagop Balian analyzed the organization of the diaspora communities described in the document, the concepts of citizenship and belonging, which in his opinion did not match the plurality of models of Armenian Diaspora existence.

Aharon Shekherdemian reflected on the section describing relations between Armenia and the Diaspora. He found the proposed strategy of relations complicated and unrealistic.

Following a public debate, there was a consensus that the Armenian Diaspora is not a monolithic reality. The political and social systems of the countries where Armenians lived conditioned the organization of Armenian Diaspora communities, and their relations to the homeland. Moreover, exodus of Armenians from Armenia was the major challenge today!

In his concluding remarks, His Holiness Aram I affirmed the importance of closer and more organized collaboration between Armenia and Diaspora. However, he concurred with the speakers that the document “Guidelines for Armenia-Diaspora collaboration” prepared by the Ministry in Armenia had many weaknesses and differences. It must reflect the concrete conditions of Diaspora. He then went on to say that participating in nation building should be the priority for all Armenians. Relations between Armenia and Diaspora should be based on mutual respect, mutual responsibility and accountability.

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