Vardan Oskanyan: Unity with the Diaspora is our power

ArmRadio.am
17.06.2006 14:46

"Dual citizenship is among the most essential issues that not only
Armenia faces, but also Armenians all over the world," declared
RA Foreign minister Vardan Oskanyan during the "Dual citizenship:
alternative solutions, economic and social consequences."

"I am too liberal on this issue, since I think that we should provide
dual citizenship to all those wishing to acquire Armenian citizenship
in the most simple way. I understand all nuances and complications of
the issue, which we must address. However, when taking decision, our
"starting point" should be the "broad comprehension of the issue,"
the Foreign Minister noted, adding that his position is asoociated
not with his origin and fact that he had to refuse from citizenship
of another country to acquire Armenian citizenship, but with the fact
that he believes in the potential of the Armenian people, the future
of Armenia. He understands the situation very well and considers the
question proceeding from the interests of the Armenian people.

According to the Minister, when judge about the question it is
necessary to consider several factors: the current separateness of
the Armenian people, the newly formed notion of the nation-state,
as well as the fact that Armenia has passed a long path of providing
rights to Diaspora Armenians.

The Foreign Minister noted also that it is not compulsory for those
having dual citizenship to reside in Armenia.

"I think that out unity with the Diaspora is our power as well. Our
task is to have thesde people return to the feelings and belongingness.