Armen Sarkissian: there are many barriers between Armenia and  Diaspora

ArmInfo.Armenian President Armen Sarkissian did not participate in the projects of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund. This was announced on May 25 by Armenian President  Sarkissian himself in an interview with journalists on the margins of the 27th meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.

"I personally did not contribute to the Foundation's activities, but  our family implements a number of different charitable projects, one  of the examples of the font in the Holy Echmiadzin, which bears the  name of St. Hovhannes and Vardan, was built by the family in May. For  many years, the charitable organization" The Eurasian House, which  aims to help students, and about 300 young people received help to  get an education, there is a program called "Yerevan - my love", also  initiated by our family. "There is a fund - a global structure, but  there are individual individuals and funds working independently."  It's time to establish cooperation between the All-Armenian Fund and  individual funds and individuals, and compare projects that are being  implemented, "the Armenian President is convinced.

To comment that there are concerns that the Diaspora is being  considered only as a source of financing, Sargsyan said in  particular: "Of course, I share this concern, and this concern is  quite serious, since if we are talking about national unity, that we  must work together - this small country, but a big nation all over  the world. We saw that during the protest actions, all the days  compatriots from all over the world participated in these processes:  through social networks, expressing opinions, coming That is, today  there really is this movement of nationwide consolidation, but the  question arises whether the Diaspora really exists only to send money  from abroad and not have any rights and not participate in anything  wrong". At the same time, he noted that all compatriots, especially  those who live in the Diaspora and possess Armenian citizenship, must  make their contribution and, of course, have obligations and rights.

According to him, there may be a day when compatriots from the  Diaspora will have the opportunity to take part in the electoral  processes in their homeland. "If we are talking about the electoral  process and the amendment of the Electoral Code, the question arises  whether only those who live in Armenia or all who are citizens of  Armenia should participate in elections," Sargsyan said, and  continued that for no one Today it's no secret that there are many  problems with the Diaspora. According to him, the best specialist in  this or that sphere, if necessary, cannot come to Armenia and take up  this or that post, since they must live in the country for at least 4  years. The President added that there are many examples of states  where such a system is not applied, and Israel cited as a prime  example.

He also agreed with the opinion that in recent years in the Diaspora  there is frustration and anger towards the Motherland. "But I also  see great love, lack of indifference, and today our task should be to  engage the Diaspora fairly and openly in the processes at home." Do  not say that we expect only money from you.  Give me money and do not  interfere in our affairs so that our compatriots from the Diaspora  with all their heart and soul were involved in the processes in  Armenia, and they had the opportunity to participate, "Sargsyan said.   According to the President, there are many barriers between Armenia  and the Diaspora: they are moral, legal and which must be eliminated.  Sargsyan expressed his conviction that until these barriers are  eliminated, there will remain questions between who should help and  not have the rights and the Armenian, who should receive and demand  more. "We are all one nation, we need to think like one nation," the  president summed up.