On June 15, members of the “Tavush for the Motherland” movement gathered in the courtyard of St. Anna’s Church.
Former Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Vahagn Melikyan, spoke about the current relations between Armenia and the Diaspora. “Many were proud of the Armenia-Diaspora-Artsakh trinity, but now only a weak corner remains, Armenia. A clear plan is being implemented. Don’t believe that they are ignorant or unaware; there is a clear strategy here.
There was a former foreign minister in Turkey, Davutoglu, who emphasized the diaspora as a central factor. He stated that the Armenian diaspora hinders Turkey’s rapprochement with Armenia. Therefore, this regime aims to neutralize or eliminate this pride factor-Diaspora, fulfilling the demands of foreigners, whether under fear or knowingly (I strongly believe they do it consciously), conducting an anti-Armenian, anti-Diaspora policy. They have created a divide: ‘You do your thing, we’ll do ours. Don’t get involved, don’t interfere, don’t criticize. If you don’t accept our rules, stay with your genocide. Go away, and don’t mess with us.’ This approach dangerously creates new dividing lines.”
He reminded the audience how the current regime came to power in 2018 and how enthusiastically it was accepted by diaspora communities, how they welcomed the Prime Minister, who once walked the streets claiming the government building belonged to the people.
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“Two days ago, 32 cars accompanied this person. The lie that they are coming to change the agenda with the diaspora, to raise the Armenia-Diaspora agenda, to deepen the relationship with the diaspora… The Ministry of Diaspora was closed. They introduced resounding names: the High Commissioner, the Office of the Diaspora, which supposedly should work more closely with the diaspora… They brought in a person who had absolutely no idea or connection with the diaspora. He believes he understands the diaspora deeply, knows everything… Yes, he knows well the art of dividing the diaspora. Living there, mastering the fine threads that bind people and structures, he has mastered the art of cutting them, smashing them.”
Vahagn Melikyan declared, “The change of power is the only way to save Armenia”
He also outlined steps to change the situation: “First, we need to restore mutual trust with our compatriots in the diaspora. Work with the diaspora should have a clear goal and action plan. We must promote the principle of mutual responsibility. There has been much talk about the potential of the diaspora, but we have not utilized it correctly, often using it selectively and discriminatorily. When I mention potential, people think of finance, but finance is at the bottom. The powerful potential lies in our intellectual resources. We must have a program for the systematic use of the diaspora’s potential; this is vital for Armenia and our national security. The agendas of Armenia and the Diaspora should be identified and synchronized.”
Details in the video.
Hripsime Jebejyan
