December 17, 2008 - 16:36 AMT
Hranush Hakobian: we don't know our Diaspora well
The RA Ministry of Diaspora Affairs will encourage Armenians to return to the homeland.

"Ari Tun (Come Home) program includes not only physical return of Armenians. Our task is to remind our compatriots that they are Armenians. We are confident that once a young Armenian sees his homeland, he will be eager to make his contribution to its development. Our huge Diaspora, which numbers some 10 million people throughout the globe, should use its spiritual and financial potential for development of Armenia," Ms. Hranush Hakobian, the Minister of Diaspora Affairs, said in an interview with PanARMENIAN.Net.

"We should unite not only in sorrow but also in order to build a strong and prosperous Armenia. Many people say that the repatriation program demands creation of special conditions but I think all Armenians should live and work under equal conditions," she said.

The Ministry is also developing an annual project titled 'Days of Honor', Ms. Hakobian informed.

"In 2009, these Days will be dedicated to renowned Charles Aznavour, Kirk Krkorian and Alek Manookian. If the project succeeds, we will dedicate a month to one of outstanding Diaspora representatives. Our poor awareness about the Diaspora and vice versa is one of our gravest mistakes. Everyone in Armenia must know who Alek Manookian was," she said.

  • Full text of the interview