Nowadays, the main messages in “Armenia-Diaspora” relations should come from Armenia. Earlier, Soviet Armenia could be only a matter of love, longing, excitement for Diasporans, and, of course, their feelings were quite understandable, as they came here, saw the mountain Masis, Garni-Geghard, Khor Virap, etc, spoke out emotionally about their motherland, and particularly did not consider deeply enough about the political and economic situation in that Soviet republic. Liberty, and independence are a heavy burden and responsibility for Armenians in all respects, also in regard of the fact that it puts an obligation on us to develop an accurate and effective forms of communication with our compatriots around the world.
If we suffer from infantilism here, and it is our ultimate goal that our state flag flutters on the mountain Masis, then it is a message to the Diaspora, which, naturally, will become greatly inspired with such infantilism. But if we, for example, say that we are developing new technologies, and that we should use those developments to ensure our security, as well as export them, then perhaps it does not sound that much loud and attractive. But it is a concrete, practical message, which is addressed to the whole world and, first of all, the Diaspora.
Since the previous conference, such a tendency, however, has been visible: to form practical messages. I think some steps have already been taken to divert from the “sobbing populism” to a joint work that pursues pragmatic goals.
Catholicos Aram I, of course, is a charismatic figure, with a high intellect, is artistic, has a good command of rhetorical art. But his speech, which was admirable for some, belongs to the “old” emotional sphere. We all know that the country is emptying and the Diaspora is worn out, and if Aram I was a Facebook user, he certainly would receive hundreds of “likes”. But, in my opinion, figures of such calibre should set bigger goals than just receiving likes.
The speeches of the Armenian Defence Minister and Deputy Minister, of course, were not that attractive and fictional. But, instead, they contain practical messages. Whether those will be received or not, that’s another matter.
In general, the inclusion of the “security” aspect in the conference agenda is a right decision. In fact, this is the most important aspect for all Armenians.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
