ISSUES ON CREATION OF NEW DIASPORA MINISTRY DISCUSSED

ARMENPRESS
July 1, 2008

Chairperson of the Armenian Foreign Ministry-affiliated State Committee
on Diaspora Ties Hranush Hakobian met today with the scientists of
the Armenian National Academy of Sciences to hear their viewpoints
on the structure, principles of activity and functions of the future
Diaspora Ministry.

H. Hakobian noted that for the solution of the issue on preservation
of Armenian culture and language in Diaspora and for using its full
potential it is necessary to make a structural change which was done
on time by the creation of a committee which has been regulating the
issues, and now by the law on the "Structure of the Government of
the Republic of Armenia" Diaspora Ministry must function from October.

"During these three months we must try to create a concept, strategy as
well as a statute and structure by which the ministry must be guided,"
she said, suggesting that the scientists present their viewpoints
and cooperate over the issue.

"I do not think that it is possible to develop or organize any sphere
without scientific-research grounds. Before starting any program it
is first of all necessary to make a serious analyses. The scientists
will be our most powerful aides, friends and participants in the
organization work. It is not issue of anyone, this is an issue on
the right organization of potential of the whole Armenians," she said.

The chairman of the National Academy of Sciences Radik Martirosian
said that the academy must have an essential participation with its
institutions and specialists.

Correspondent member of the academy Nikolay Hovhannissian said that
the coordination of ties with Diaspora is a complicated sphere and it
must not be allowed that the committee which turns to ministry slip
suddenly. He said the establishment must become such a body which
will ensure the contact of the state with all the Armenian communities.

Director of the History Institute of the Academy Ashot Melkonian
greeted the creation of the ministry and noted that one of the reasons
of absence of pan-Armenian thinking is the absence of pan-Armenian
history text-books. He suggested that such books be created and said
that the institute takes the initiative.

He also noted that the ministry must be given big authorities and
financial means. According to him, if it is going to be a powerless
establishment it is better not to be at all.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress