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THEY DO NOT KNOW HOW TO RETURN TO ARMENIA
[02:10 pm] 13 February, 2009

Many Armenians living in the Russian Federation cannot return to their
Homeland because of the world financial crisis. This mainly refers to
Armenians having some property in Russia ` abode, cars, shops, etc.

Armenian small and medium-size businessmen living in the Russian town
Velikii Novgorod are in a no-go situation. `Since we had few orders I
had to close my furniture workshop operating for 15 years. I am at a
loss. I am going to sell everything and return to Armenia but, as you
know, today no one buys anything. I cannot even sell my car,’ said a
Novgorod citizen Karen Baghdasaryan.

The owner of a Novgorod-based restaurant Arthur Mesropyan is also
`driven into a corner.’

‘ `Our customers are getting fewer and fewer. Mostly, they drop in on
Saturdays and Sundays to drink a glass of beer or a cup of
coffee. There is no point in running the restaurant any longer. I
would like to sell the restaurant, my flat, cars and property and
start a business in Yerevan but¦,’ sighs Mr. Mesropyan. `If the
crisis gets any deeper my desire will turn into a cherished dream,’ he
adds.

Car mechanic Hovhannes Darbinyan living in the town for more than 18
years has already put his flat and car for sale.

I am looking forward to returning to my native town Hoktemberyan but I
cannot sell my flat and car. God grant that they are sold tomorrow.

Our interlocutors say that Armenians having temporary residence in
Velikii Novgorod have already returned to Armenia.