ARMENIAN FOREIGN MINISTER FOR EASY PROVISION OF DUAL CITIZENSHIP TO
ARMENIANS WORLD WIDE

Yerevan, June 17. ArmInfo. Dual citizenship one of the most important
tasks of both Armenia and Armenians, Vardan Oskanyan, Foreign Minister
of Armenia, said at a forum "Dual citizenship: alternative decisions,
economic and social consequences" opening in Yerevan, Saturday.

I am extremely liberal in this issue as I think we must provide dual
citizenship in the easiest way to all Armenians who would like to get
naturalized in Armenia. I understand all the nuances and difficulties
of the issue which we must give answers to, but the starting point for
making a final decision on the issue must be a board vision of the
issue," the minister said. He said his position is not conditioned
by the fact that he had to refuse from the citizenship of a foreign
country to get naturalized in Armenia. He said he believes in the
potential of the Armenian people, in the future of Armenia, and he
is well aware of the situation and of mutual expectations of the
Armenian people inside and outside the country.

The minister believes that when considering the issue, several
circumstances must be taken into account: the "forced" separation
of the Armenian people (Armenia and Diaspora), the idea of newly
formed state-nation, the fact that Armenia has passed a great way as
regards the provision of rights to Diaspora. Vardan Oskanyan said
the status of a ten-year-long residence is equal to the status of
citizenship, with the exception of army service and the right of
vote and election. "That is why, I am surprised at such questions
as what will be the impact of dual citizenship on economy, on the
property prices in the country. We have already given this right to
our compatriots and that was right. We can see its positive results
already now. So, the greatest part of the way has been passed, we just
need to settle the army problem and the right of vote and election
in accordance with the law," Vardan Oskanyan said. And the last issue
is regulated by the Constitution, the minister added. Mentioning the
small number of Armenians and the current challenges in the region,
the minister stressed the necessity of using the chance to increase the
number of Armenian people. Getting naturalized in Armenia, a person
will not need to return to Armenia. "I think our solidarity with
the Diaspora is our power." The minister shared his concern over the
fact that removing the ban on dual citizenship from the Constitution,
but adopting a law hampering provision of dual citizenship, Armenia
will disappoint the Diaspora. "If the whole our people resolved to
change the Constitution, we ought to make the process of getting dual
citizenship maximum easy," Vardan Oskanyan said.