Aravot.am asked the Minister of Diaspora Mkhitar Hayrapetyan if he agree with the often sounding opinions that we do not need a Ministry of Diaspora in the conditions of this insufficient budget, it is an additional burden, it is only enough to have a respective department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to which he replied: “Let us wait for a little, if the Ministry of Diaspora continues leaving suchlike impression, then I will agree with that opinion. But I am more than sure that in case of an effective administration all suchlike position and viewpoints will change. Of course, I understand that they have grounds. I do not wish to give assessments to the former way of administration, but the new one, which comes, I assure you, will give hope to even the most pessimists. This is one of the most necessary ministries, if it truly serves to its mission.”
Former minister, Hranush Hakobyan had famous urges, which had become a subject for discussion and criticism. She had articulately urged the diasporans to bring $1000 each to Armenia and deposit it in banks. Afterwards she said that a great number of diasporans have followed her urge and made the economy more active. Asked if the incumbent Minister is going to continue that urge and how he estimated its efficiency, he replied: “I do not wish to address Hranush Hakobyan’s activity and the announcements she made, moreover – to repeat her calls. I do not consider it as adequate. I will make calls of course, but other ones – qualitatively changed. They always ask me questions about the former minister, I do not consider it adequate to refer to it, especially to comment on her urges at the moment.”
Hripsime JEBEJYAN
