DIASPORA DOES NOT HAVE LOBBY IN ARMENIA
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14:35:24 – 30/09/2009
Active relations between Armenia and the Armenian Diaspora began
immediately after independence. Almost all the country’s leaders
publicly acknowledged the right of the Diaspora to participate
in the construction of the Armenian state in its domestic and
foreign policy. However, in Armenia, no one thought about how to
create mechanisms and institutions for the realization of this
right. Actually, someone probably thought, but only in order to
prevent the creation of such institutions.
In principle, the Armenian Diaspora is devoid of any opportunity to
participate in politics in Armenia. This was clearly evident when
it became clear that there are fundamental differences in positions
of the Diaspora and the Armenian authorities on the Armenian-Turkish
relations. But it is obvious that, in spite of the Pan-Armenian tour
of Serge Sargsyan, Diaspora is unlikely to influence the decisions
of the Armenian authorities, tuned to reconciliation with Turkey by
the huge concessions.
There are only a few planes where the participation of the Diaspora in
Armenian politics is possible. It is the All-Armenian Fund "Armenia",
through which the Diaspora can participate in economic and social
projects, is the Lins Fund – also is not engaged in political projects,
large lobbying organizations that are engaged in Armenian interests
in other countries, particularly in the United States. These are a
series of traditional Armenian parties represented in Armenia, but
funded from abroad. And it is the Ministry for Diaspora Affairs,
established a year ago. There are a couple of organizations and
institutions, through which communication takes place between the
Armenian authorities and the Diaspora.
However, none of them ensures the impact of the Diaspora in the
policy of the Armenian authorities, and not only in matters relating
to the state, but also the interests of most of the Diaspora. In
fact, the Diaspora has a lobby in many countries, but no lobby in
Armenia. There is no institution that could defend the interests
of the Diaspora in Armenia. This interest is entirely dependent on
the whims of government, on their likes and relations with certain
personalities. And not to repeat the well-known definition of "milk
cow", we can say that the Armenian authorities need the Diaspora only
for economic purposes.
In Armenia, there is not even television, funded by the
Diaspora. However, this is understandable – Diaspora has always tried
to bypass the internal political problems in Armenia, even if they
are related to fundamental democratic values. Images of Armenia and,
in particular, Artsakh Diaspora kept as an icon. Every day, wiping the
dust from it, it was perceived as something sacred. I never thought
about the fact that specific levers will be needed to defend their
interests.
And now, Serge Sargsyan decided to hear the opinion of the
Diaspora. Why? It is unlikely to change his decision. Moreover, the
Armenians throughout the world simply cannot influence the policy of
Armenia. Yes, Serge Sargsyan knows their opinions, they may even be
allowed to express negative opinions. But they cannot do anything,
if Serge Sargsyan does not change his position. This should be thought
about in right time. However, the Armenian society does not have levers
of influence on decision-making either. They can listen very carefully,
but will make their own way, and no one can do anything. And they
will show Hrant Vardanyan on TV, who says that his staff is praying
day and night for the border to be open.