The High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan responded to reporters’ questions about how his appointment wasn’t completely accepted by the Diaspora. He said that he doesn’t understand. “People say all kinds of things on social media. Tell me specifically what is being said and I’ll respond. I have worked in public service for 13 years and have been an elected official for 6.5 years. How can everyone like me and agree with me? God be with them, this is a democratic country and everyone has the right to have an opinion.”
Sinanyan spoke about the structure and budget of the office. When asked about the issues that the Prime Minister tasked him to handle, he said, “The biggest issue is to strengthen and improve ties with the Diaspora.” When asked about what he believes is the biggest issue in Armenia-Diaspora relations, Sinanyan replied, “There aren’t any really big issues. At the moment, we are rebuilding trust towards the Armenian state. The reason for the distrust is the poor policies put forth by the former administration not only for the Diaspora, but for all Armenians.”
Reporters asked him what caused him to leave a country like the United States and come to Armenia. Sinanyan said, “The homeland is what attracted me. I wanted to work in Armenia and play a positive role in making changes.”
When asked if the Prime Minister’s offer was expected, Zareh Sinanyan said that it wasn’t, but it was a logical offer. “Why not? I represent both Armenia and the Diaspora and I need to prove through my work that this was the right decision. I know that I can work well and I hope that my work will have the desired results.”
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