
ArmInfo. The Diaspora National Mobilization Conference took place in Paris on April 11-12, bringing together more than 150 distinguished intellectuals, political, public, and community figures from Armenia, Artsakh, and 26 countries across Diaspora, as reported by the press service of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (Dashnaktsutyun).
According to the source, the conference provided a comprehensive assessment of Armenia-Diaspora relations amid ongoing national challenges and evolving geopolitical realities, highlighting the urgent need for coordinated mobilization around a unified pan-Armenian agenda. Following discussions on the four-point agenda, the conference adopted relevant decisions, outlined key priorities, and identified the steps to be undertaken in that direction.
In the context of the diaspora's strategic role and the political agenda, the conference emphasized its important role in addressing the challenges facing the Armenian people. " Today, as Armenian statehood faces serious security threats and the foundations of national identity are being targeted, a pan-Armenian mobilization around national agendas has become imperative. The national and state interests and goals of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian people are inseparable," the statement reads. It is noted that at the current stage, the priorities on the diaspora's political agenda are: Developing and implementing a comprehensive strategic program aimed at reinforcing the Republic of Armenia's strength and security; Recognition and reparation of the Armenian Genocide. Despite the policies pursued by the current authorities of Armenia, the international recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the pursuit of reparations remain imperative; and advancing a just settlement of the Artsakh issue, including the right of the people of Artsakh to collectively return to their homes.
It further states that Armenian identity is rooted in Armenian history, the Armenian Church, language, culture, and national values, which constitute the fundamental pillars of the Diaspora's existence. "In the current critical circumstances, the Armenian Church, as in the past, continues to serve not only as a spiritual anchor but also as a cornerstone of the Armenian people's national and spiritual identity. Condemning the campaign unleashed by the authorities of the Republic of Armenia against Armenian values and the Armenian Apostolic Church, it is necessary to take to consider measures to counter this anti-church campaign, including through the proper education of the new generation," the conference participants further stated.
The national value system is the primary source of strength for the Republic of Armenia and the Armenian nation as a whole. It must serve as the indispensable foundation for shaping Armenia-Diaspora relations and the pan-Armenian agenda. " Following the 44-day war, as well as the most recent war in Artsakh and the subsequent ethnic cleansing, the policies pursued by the Armenian authorities have led to deep disappointment and disillusionment among the Diaspora, giving rise to concerning tendencies of internal detachment from the homeland.
The policy of the current Armenian authorities-marked by the neglect, division, and disregard of the organized Diaspora and its support for the homeland-is strongly condemnable. Equally concerning is the inaction of the Armenian authorities toward Armenian communities in the Middle East facing existential threats," the conference participants emphasized. In this regard, the priorities of Armenia-Diaspora relations are: Restore and elevate institutional ties with the Diaspora to a new qualitative level, Ensure the broad participation of Diaspora professionals across various state projects and sectors, with the prospect of assuming responsibilities, Develop and implement a unified policy across political, diplomatic, economic, scientific, military-industrial, informational, and educational-cultural spheres. The need for unity, strengthening, and reorganization of the Diaspora around pan-Armenian agendas is indisputable. It is imperative to consolidate the Diaspora around national goals, modernize Diaspora structures and overall modes of operation, foster direct cooperation between communities, and consistently strengthen collective capacity. In this process of reorganization, the full engagement of youth is especially vital," the statement emphasizes.
In light of the above conclusions and outlined priorities, the Diaspora National Mobilization Conference emphasizes that, in today's complex geopolitical environment, the vitality and strength of the Diaspora are inseparably linked to the homeland. "Our unity must be anchored in enduring national values and a vision of strengthening statehood as a shared agenda. The national and state interests and goals of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian people are inseparable. We reject the divisive and alienating approaches adopted by the current authorities of the Republic of Armenia. Instead, we call for the establishment of healthy, coordinated, and balanced relations, which are the only guarantee for strengthening the Armenian nation and preserving Armenian statehood. With a strong sense of national responsibility, our collective potential must serve exclusively pan-Armenian goals, ensuring a secure and guaranteed future for the Armenian people.
To this end, we emphasize the importance of the participation of all citizens of the Republic of Armenia- regardless of their place of residence-in National Assembly elections. We call on all citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including those abroad, to travel to Armenia by their own means and take part in the elections. It is necessary to change the current authorities' anti-national course and establish a national state-oriented path of development," the statement reads.