Zareh Sinanyan Admits His Failure in the Mission He Undertook: ARF

If Zareh Sinanyan declares that the Republic of Armenia is not ready for "large-scale repatriation" today, it primarily means that he admits his failure in the mission he undertook, as well as the failure of the government he is part of, both before Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. This is stated in a statement released by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation’s (ARF) Office of Returnees' Consultation.

"We read with astonishment the statements made by the High Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs Zareh Sinanyan regarding the issue of repatriation, specifically that encouraging repatriation during visits to diaspora communities is not among their primary goals (quote from 'Aravot'), and that “I must say that we are not ready for large-scale repatriation. If such a thing were to happen, let’s be honest: we simply are not prepared for it” (according to Sinanyan’s direct quote from 'Aravot'). We awaited a denial of this news or any clarification, which did not occur. Therefore, as the Office of Returnees’ Consultation, we are obliged to respond to this statement.

First and foremost, we want to emphasize that repatriation can never wait for the country to be 'ready.' If, in Mr. Sinanyan’s view, our compatriots willing to settle at home are waiting for Armenia to become the most developed and safest country in the world, and then they will settle here, he is gravely mistaken. Moreover, if Mr. Sinanyan returned to his homeland believing that the Republic of Armenia has already become a paradise under its new government, he was again terribly mistaken. Furthermore, if he states that the Republic of Armenia is today not ready for 'large-scale repatriation,' it primarily indicates that he acknowledges his failure in the mission he undertook, and also the failure of the government he is a part of before both the people of Armenia and the Armenian diaspora. He demonstrates that the authorities of Armenia still have not grasped the ideological essence of repatriation.

For mass repatriation to occur, one thing is needed: a clear, understandable, comprehensive, and concise legal framework that will regulate the repatriation process. All governments that have taken charge in Armenia have refrained from developing such legislation and have only resorted to formal measures, while repatriation is a strategically important issue for Armenia. If Mr. Sinanyan can ensure the adoption of the aforementioned law, various segments of the Armenian people will themselves raise the banner of repatriation and, by coming to Armenia, will actively participate in the construction and development of both the land of Armenia and the state of Armenia with their work and sweat.