DIASPORA MEDIA REPS – PRESIDENT SARGSYAN’S TRIP TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE
Natasha Harutyunyan

20 09/09/30 | 16:33

Several representatives of the Armenian press in the diaspora spoke at
a press conference held earlier today focusing on recent developments
in Armenian-Turkish relations and the upcoming tour of various diaspora
communities by RoA President Sargsyan.

Manvel Adamian, editor of the London-based monthly "Nor Seroundi Tzayn"
(Voice of the New Generation) remarked that the recently scheduled tour
of the diaspora by RoA President Serzh Sargsyan was late in coming;
an opinion expressed by the others as well.

"In the space of seven days, President Sargsyan must visit 5-6
continents where, it would appear, he will touch on recent Armenian
foreign policy moves during dinner receptions at cocktail hours. Does
he actually believe that the diaspora will be satisfied with such
cursory talk? This question concerns all Armenians and isn’t only an
issue to be decided by the authorities in Armenia. Thus, the diaspora
cannot be neglected. In fact, the diaspora must play a major role
here. We demand that Turkey, our centuries-old enemy, recognize the
1915 Genocide. The visit of President Sargsyan will not satisfy us,
especially since any discussion will take place over the clatter
of dinner plates. This is no way to negotiate with the diaspora,"
stated Mr. Adamian.

Krikor Khotanian, political editor of the weekly "Masis" which serves
the Armenian community in southern California, stated that heated
discussions are taking place in the region via the local mass media
regarding the protocols and that Armenians are participating live,
over the airwaves.

"There is uproar over these protocols as evidenced by the mass
demonstration that took place in Los Angeles this past Sunday. It
was probably the biggest democratic outpouring of Armenians that
the diaspora has ever witnessed. The visit by Mr. Sargsyan is late
in coming and the way the meetings have been arranged, at dinner
receptions, is not satisfactory either. All of us have concerns
regarding the Genocide issue and what will happen to the preservation
of Armenian national identity as a result," noted Mr. Khotanian.

Aharon Shkhrtoumian, chief editor of the "Ararat" daily in Beirut
pointed out that the primary reason that the protocols are being
widely rejected in the diaspora is psychological; that there is a
psychological problem existing that the diaspora has yet to overcome.

"I also believe that the Armenian government and President Sargsyan
are being pressured when it comes to Armenian-Turkish relations. It
is not only the West that is exerting the pressure but Russia as
well. I can comprehend the position President Sargsyan finds himself
in today; he wants to find a way out of the dilemma. While critical
of the protocols, I also am in favor of assisting the president so
that he doesn’t have to face the West and Russia by himself," stated
Mr. Shkhrtoumian.

Also attending the press conference was Diego Karamanoukian, director
of the "Araks" radio station in Uruguay. He said that the station has
been operating for the past two years and that its weekend broadcasts
include Armenian music and news from Armenia.