The size of the Armenian diaspora, especially in the former Soviet republics, has been exaggerated, according to a member of the diaspora in Russia.
The numerical, intellectual and financial potential of the Armenian diaspora is strongly exaggerated, the editor of the Aniv newspaper (Russia), Karen Agekyan, said during discussions organized by the Sardarparat initiative group.
"Every new ambassador of Armenia exaggerates the number of Armenians residing in Russia. It's is a matter of prestige," Agekyan said, describing statements of 1.5 million Armenians living in Moscow as a great exaggeration.
The intellectual, financial and political potential of Armenians beyond Armenia, in particular, in the post-Soviet area, has also been greatly exaggerated, Agekyan said.
"When we speak of Armenian lobby organizations in the United States or Russia, we should realize that this is primarily the lobbying of interests of these countries in Armenia and not vice versa," he said.
Armenia should be actively engaged in diaspora issues, while the efforts of the diaspora and foreign ministries are insufficient.
Agekyan said the representatives of civil society and public organizations such as Sardarparat should work to orient the diaspora towards the national interests of Armenia rather than "self-preservation".
"The diaspora is a resource which should be supported and developed," he said.
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