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Diaspora Does Not Have Lobby In Armenia

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  • Diaspora Does Not Have Lobby In Armenia

    DIASPORA DOES NOT HAVE LOBBY IN ARMENIA

    http://www.lragir.am/engsrc/society-lraho s15358.html
    14:35:24 - 30/09/2009

    Active relations between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora began
    immediately after independence. Almost all the country's leaders
    publicly acknowledged the right of the Diaspora to participate
    in the construction of the Armenian state in its domestic and
    foreign policy. However, in Armenia, no one thought about how to
    create mechanisms and institutions for the realization of this
    right. Actually, someone probably thought, but only in order to
    prevent the creation of such institutions.

    In principle, the Armenian Diaspora is devoid of any opportunity to
    participate in politics in Armenia. This was clearly evident when
    it became clear that there are fundamental differences in positions
    of the Diaspora and the Armenian authorities on the Armenian-Turkish
    relations. But it is obvious that, in spite of the Pan-Armenian tour
    of Serge Sargsyan, Diaspora is unlikely to influence the decisions
    of the Armenian authorities, tuned to reconciliation with Turkey by
    the huge concessions.

    There are only a few planes where the participation of the Diaspora in
    Armenian politics is possible. It is the All-Armenian Fund "Armenia",
    through which the Diaspora can participate in economic and social
    projects, is the Lins Fund - also is not engaged in political projects,
    large lobbying organizations that are engaged in Armenian interests
    in other countries, particularly in the United States. These are a
    series of traditional Armenian parties represented in Armenia, but
    funded from abroad. And it is the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs,
    established a year ago. There are a couple of organizations and
    institutions, through which communication takes place between the
    Armenian authorities and the Diaspora.

    However, none of them ensures the impact of the Diaspora in the
    policy of the Armenian authorities, and not only in matters relating
    to the state, but also the interests of most of the Diaspora. In
    fact, the Diaspora has a lobby in many countries, but no lobby in
    Armenia. There is no institution that could defend the interests
    of the Diaspora in Armenia. This interest is entirely dependent on
    the whims of government, on their likes and relations with certain
    personalities. And not to repeat the well-known definition of "milk
    cow", we can say that the Armenian authorities need the Diaspora only
    for economic purposes.

    In Armenia, there is not even television, funded by the
    Diaspora. However, this is understandable - Diaspora has always tried
    to bypass the internal political problems in Armenia, even if they
    are related to fundamental democratic values. Images of Armenia and,
    in particular, Artsakh Diaspora kept as an icon. Every day, wiping the
    dust from it, it was perceived as something sacred. I never thought
    about the fact that specific levers will be needed to defend their
    interests.

    And now, Serge Sargsyan decided to hear the opinion of the
    Diaspora. Why? It is unlikely to change his decision. Moreover, the
    Armenians throughout the world simply cannot influence the policy of
    Armenia. Yes, Serge Sargsyan knows their opinions, they may even be
    allowed to express negative opinions. But they cannot do anything,
    if Serge Sargsyan does not change his position. This should be thought
    about in right time. However, the Armenian society does not have levers
    of influence on decision-making either. They can listen very carefully,
    but will make their own way, and no one can do anything. And they
    will show Hrant Vardanyan on TV, who says that his staff is praying
    day and night for the border to be open.
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