ArmInfo. Los Angeles hosted a discussion organized by the University of Southern California Institute of Armenian Studies entitled "Celebrity Diplomacy: Redefining Armenia's Role in the Diaspora" on January 29.
Atom Egoyan, Canadian filmmaker of Armenian origin, said during the meeting that the results of the upcoming parliamentary elections are predictable, but unacceptable for Diaspora. He stressed that one should not put up with the election results and that it is necessary to protest against the fact that people in Armenia are persecuted for their political views. He emphasized that it is time to take more active part in the domestic political processes in Armenia and to give new quality to those processes.
For his part, System of a Down frontman, Serj Tankian said that the figures of Diaspora do not support any particular political force and they support the people. He stressed the need to prevent bloodshed in Armenia, and he emphasized the need to stop further migration from Armenia by creating favorable conditions for the youth to stay in the Motherland.
Arsinee Khanjian, Canadian-Armenian actress, producer and activist, was one of the keynote speakers at the discussion. She pointed out the need to provide Diaspora Armenians with an opportunity to vote during the elections in Armenia. She hopes that at least something may change in Armenia, but this may happen with the Diaspora's support only. At the same time, Khanjian thinks that it should not be only financial support, because the funds go to the oligarchy representatives' pockets rather than to ordinary people.
To note, Justice Within Armenia initiative, which participated in the discussion, is going to observe the parliamentary elections in Armenia. The participants in the discussion stressed that the initiative should not only conduct an observation mission, but should also take active part in the post-electoral processes.