Azad Hye
December 15, 2006
In 1994 the Parochial system was introduced into the life of the Armenians
residing in Kuwait and the Arab Gulf countries. Since then three consecutive
elections took place (1994, 1998, 2002). Time has come for the fourth
elections. Besides our best wishes we would like to take the opportunity to
point out to the following:
– It is expected that, after having three previous experiences, the
forthcoming elections would go ahead smoothly enough. Thus we expect that
the election date would be announced very soon and proper circular would be
sent to the Armenians. On the other hand enough time should be given to the
candidates to orient themselves and take this task seriously. The collection
of the national taxes should not be left to the last one or two weeks, etc.
It is recommended to take advantage of this occasion to organize a series of
informative activities emphasizing the importance of the participation in
the public life and highlighting the meaning of the elections and their
influence in our life.
– It is recommended that the candidates provide a written accord regarding
the policies they intend to follow in the coming period (in case they are
elected), making it clear, in the first place, why they want to be elected.
The electors have the right to know about the priorities of the candidates,
their plans and concerns. It would be a good idea if candidates publicize
their pre-election declarations at least two weeks in advance.
– The official parochial report on the activities of the last four years
should be availed to the electors. It is not logical to ask the public to
take part in the elections if the majority is not aware about what has been
going on in the last four years. The elector should have an idea about the
existing difficulties, how effective were the implemented plans, what parts
were not materialized, what ideas were suggested in the course of action.
Only with such an approach an elector would really know the value of his
vote and will understand that he is part of a larger community.
– Meeting people: Of course it is a very healthy phenomenon to do the
elections, but officials should meet with the public not only during the
election time. The UAE Armenian community is getting larger and larger every
day. There are several hundred newly arrived Armenians who live scattered in
many cities in the Emirates without having any record about them. It is a
great challenge to find them and communicate with them. But why not accept
the challenge and proceed to do what is necessary to establish contact with
them, using all advanced technology in this context? Of course this step
means to alter the type and nature of the activities that we are used to
offer to the audience. Not doing so, the newly added members will feel that
they are wasting their time.
– It is very much appreciated if an Armenian networking event takes place at
least once a month in any suitable location in the city. We should invite
all the members of the community to such meetings, especially those who have
settled in the Emirates in the last few years. Our community has a different
structure than the traditionally known Armenian communities: the percentage
of the bachelor professionals (or those who live away from their families)
is big compared to the other Middle Eastern societies. Only by getting to
know each other we can achieve progress.
– The daily school: Behind the curtains there is much talk nowadays about
the school. For 25 years the weekly Armenian school served and continues to
serve the community. The new challenge is to change the school to a daily
one. What is lacking to materialize this project? Willingness! It is a fact
that establishing a school requires sacrifices, but when was the Armenian
hesitant to go ahead with opening a school, especially that the financial
means are almost secured and the number of the students is sufficient? It is
totally different thing that some of those who are occupying positions in
the Armenian community are not convinced about this step. If – in principle
– they have suspicions about the mission of the school, they should tender
their resignations. Preserving the Armenian identity was not always related
to "practical considerations". The elections will enable the emergence of
those who believe in the idea of the daily school.
– Embassy of Armenia: It is a fact that since the year 2000 the Embassy of
Armenia is operating in Abu Dhabi. Supporting an Embassy is a very noble
act. The Armenians of the UAE have assisted the Embassy from the first
moment. In about one year time the new building of the Embassy will be
completed. We must be happy for this achievement, but we should not think
about it as our direct mission. An Embassy before anything else needs
respect. For example, a new website has been recently introduced dedicated
to the monitoring of the construction of the Embassy building, but the
Ambassador was not counseled about it. Patriotism should not take the form
of show-off. Embassy – community relationships should be clear and
transparent, in order to avoid some of the bitter experiences recorded in
other communities.
– Other challenges: In the future we will refer to other issues such as how
involved are the citizens of Armenia in the community life, what are the
cooperation prospects between people of different ideological backgrounds
and sympathies in our community, what are the opportunities for propagating
the Armenian cause in the Gulf countries, etc. It is pity to confirm that we
are going to the elections without having the slightest idea about the above
mentioned issues.
See Armenian text at:
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