Modern Armenia has complicated relationships with the Diaspora -  analyst

ArmInfo. In modern Armenia, complicated relationships with the Diaspora have arisen due to the current leadership.  Sergey Melkonyan, a PhD and Research Fellow at  APRI Armenia, made this statement in an interview with an ArmInfo  correspondent. 

The expert clarified that the Diaspora is in confrontation with the  Armenian authorities, since its position contradicts to their modern  agenda, which is seen as opposition by the current leadership.  "Wherever  in the USA, Russia, Lebanon or Iran, the Diaspora  generally does not support the authorities' actions. It advocates for  the rights of the Artsakh people and the recognition of the Genocide,  which goes against the policy of the current government," Melkonyan  explained. Commenting on the events in Lebanon, the expert pointed  out that many representatives of the Diaspora are Dashnaks or  affiliated with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Dashnaktsutyun  (ARF), a prominent opposition force against the ruling regime.

 He noted that the lack of action by the Armenian authorities towards  the Armenian Diaspora, which is facing threats, is evident. Melkonyan  also highlighted that the Armenian community in Lebanon has not only  decreased, but has also become less active, with a deteriorating  social situation and a lack of necessary assistance. "Our main  concern is our Diaspora. If the situation in Lebanon continues to  escalate, it will be in danger. This was not a priority, especially  in February 2022, when Israel was actively evacuating its diaspora  from Ukraine and Russia, while Armenia did not organize any flights.  As a result, Armenians are losing their lives on both sides. This is  the primary issue - we must support the Diaspora.  Even if we cannot  evacuate people, we should at least provide assistance," Melkonyan  emphasized, discussing potential actions by Armenia. 

Touching upon the impact of the situation in the Middle East on  regional stability, the expert highlighted the potential for  increased conflict escalation and more active involvement of Iran,  particularly in light of Donald Trump's presidency in the United  States. This could potentially weaken Iran's position in the region  and pose a significant threat to Armenia. "In the event of a regional  conflict, there is a possibility for Azerbaijan, a country supported  by Israel with military aid, to benefit. If Azerbaijan opens a new  front against Armenia, potentially involving Iran, this will lead to  an escalation of the conflict. The presence of Israeli delegations  discussing military intelligence issues in Azerbaijan or meetings in  Israel, as seen in September 2023, is a possibility. This risk  exists, but it is not too high yet," Melkonyan concluded.