ARF Delegation Meets with Armenia’s High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan
RIDGEFIELD, N.J.—A delegation representing the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Eastern Region (ARF-ER) Central Committee met the High Commissioner of Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Armenia Zareh Sinanyan at the community center of the Sts. Vartanants Armenian Apostolic Church.
The issues discussed at the meeting included repatriation of Diaspora Armenians, the creation of an atmosphere further fostering foreign business investments in Armenia including a long-overdue U.S.-Armenia double tax treaty, and broader issues pertaining to Armenia-Diaspora relations.
The ARF delegation was comprised of Central Committee vice-chair Ani Tchaghlasian, John Mkrtschjan and Valot Atakhanian.
Prior to the meeting, Sinanyan toured the church and community center, accompanied by the Very Reverend Sahag Yemishian and the members of the ARF delegation.
If the Armenia and diaspora relations are to blossom, the RoA will need sound and credible advice on how to effectively
engage the diaspora. In particular , they will need concise and helpful input from sources that understand the motivators, nuances
and core issues. If all they want is money, then do it the way the church does….. network major benefactors and collect the funds.
If you are looking for sustainable investments at all levels and encouraging repatriation , then the RoA must prepare with the knowledge of the needs of the diaspora. Utilizing a number of community organizing groups is essential. One in particular comes to mind. The ARF in Armenia is different than the ARF in the diaspora. In the diaspora , it is without peers in its long term community
organizing experience and grass roots credibility. It is very important for leaders to choose talent over recent political relationships.
A broad coalition of pan Armenian advisors from the diaspora is critical to success.