Interaction between Armenia and the Diaspora is absent, and the Diaspora’s enormous potential is going untapped: Samvel Lulukyan

The Paris conference carried clear messages and was of extraordinary importance for the Diaspora. Samvel Lulukyan, a member of the Central Council of Armenians of Germany, made this statement in a conversation with Alpha News while commenting on the conference dedicated to Diaspora mobilization, which took place on April 11–12 in Paris.

According to him, the discussions covered the strengthening of Armenian statehood, recognition of the Armenian Genocide, protection of the rights of Artsakh Armenians, and the release of prisoners.

“At the center of the discussions was the current state of relations between Armenia and the Diaspora, which continues to be one of the most problematic topics. It must be noted that at present, cooperation between Armenia and the Diaspora is virtually nonexistent. Previously it existed, imperfectly, perhaps, but it did exist,” Lulukyan emphasized.

He noted that this situation is particularly alarming given the Diaspora’s potential.

“The Diaspora possesses enormous potential that today is going entirely untapped. If this cooperation can be brought to an institutional level, it will yield significant results for Armenia,” he said.

Lulukyan also stressed the importance of international recognition of the Armenian Genocide, viewing it not only in the context of historical justice but also of security.

“Many people do not realize that recognition of the Armenian Genocide is an important security factor and can serve as a deterrent mechanism against Turkey. We see how such processes have played a role in ensuring the security of other countries, and the experience of other states can serve as an example,” Lulukyan noted.

He also emphasized that the Paris conference is a first step, and that such formats will be ongoing.