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ARF Chair Antranig Kasbarian’s Comments on Presented Papers
Below is Antranig Kasbarian(chair, ARF Central Committee, Eastern U.S.) to the papers presented at the public forum titled “The ARF at 120: A Critical Appreciation,” held at the New York Hilton Hotel on Nov. 21, 2010. Click here to read the papers.
First of all, let me thank all of the panelists for their candor, their sincerity, and their insightfulness in their critiques. At the same time, I’d be remiss if I didn’t point out areas where we may debate or disagree. Let me try to capt
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Antranig- Let me first commend you after reading the papers presented at the public forum held in NYC on Nov 21, 2010 on the ARF’s 120th anniversary. I only recently came across the news of this event and I am pleased that, for the first time in a long time, the ARF is opening itself up to critical analysis in public. As a former ARF member myself I too have some thoughts on the subject but that can be left for another time and place. The thoughts expressed by the panelists and yourself are worth contemplating and pursuing. Armenia today is in avery precarious position both internally and externally. The Diaspora has been largely absent in facing any of today’s issues in Armenia. That is regretable and it is largely our own fault. Where we go from here is a big question. The forum you helped organize is important but only a first step. I hope more can be done to help Armenia out of it’s predicamint. Michael
Nothing can be done to “reform” Armenia from the outside. It seems most people disregard this basic truth.
Michael, thank you for the comments. I agree that the forum was a small-but-positive step as we seek discussions that are more candid, more public, and more wide-ranging. I also share your frustration re the Diaspora’s role vis-a-vis Hayastan. Yes, we can point to some success stories, but overall the political culture and the political system of the country remain beyond our constructive influence. That is indeed too bad, as the Diaspora has had some golden opportunities to make its mark. But it is not too late. To be continued.