Catholicos Aram I, in a message addressing the Diaspora Mobilization Conference held in Paris over the weekend, strongly criticized the Armenian government for failing to properly use the huge resources of the Armenian diaspora and for intentionally creating divisions within Armenian communities worldwide by its actions and pronouncements.

The aim of the Pais conference, according to its coordinating committee, was “to collectively discuss the situation and mobilize the diaspora in order to shape a unified and purposeful stance in defense and strengthening of the Armenian state, the Armenian diaspora and Armenian national interests in general, including the Armenian Cause.”

Catholicos Aram I accused the Armenian government of “ignoring the diaspora” despite the huge investments diasporan Armenians have made in Armenia and Artsakh and portrayed Armenia-diaspora relations at an all-time low.

“After the re-independence of Armenia, the Armenia-diaspora relationship was never purposeful. It did not have a solid depth and foundation, a clear method and goal. In fact, it remained informal, in the business and tourist spheres, and did not become a planned and comprehensive initiative creating cooperation in the cultural, political, and economic spheres. Armenia was unable to effectively use the potential of the Diaspora and the reality of its being an important political factor,” Catholicos Aram I said in his message.

Catholicos Aram I accused the current Pashinyan administration of relegating the 1915 Armenian Genocide and the Artsakh issue to the pages of history and displaying contempt towards national and religious values.

The Armenian Apostolic Church leader also called out the diaspora for never formulating a clear agenda of its own to confront the challenges it faces today.

“It is facing various challenges in a globalized world, where values ​​are in decline and national identities are subject to loss. Therefore, we consider the self-critical evaluation of the diaspora and the review and revitalization of the purpose and activities of its structures to be urgent,” Catholicos Aram I noted in his message.

He called on the diaspora to shed the stereotypes, worn-out mindsets, and outdated practices it still employs and to take stock of the new realities it faces.

Catholicos Aram I noted the need to create a “pan-diasporan agenda” that must complement the agenda of the government in Armenia, especially on issues of a pan-Armenian nature.

“Neither must Armenia try to interfere in the internal life of the diaspora, nor must the diaspora  do the same in Armenia,” Catholicos Aram I said, adding however that the diaspora must have a say, and part to play, on national issues.

“The creation of a strong Armenia, with a strong state, army and economy, as well as the firm preservation of the unity and integrity of our nation, has profound strategic significance and, therefore, constitutes an essential part of the national agenda,” he stressed.