Atom Egoyan stresses the need to take more active part in domestic  political processes in Armenia

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.