Armenian-Canadian actress and film producer Arsinée Khanjian,at a press conference on a Justice in Armenia initiative, launched by well-known Armenians from Armenia and from the Armenian Diaspora on September 21, and said that thousands of Armenians have joined their signature-gathering campaign for democracy,justice and transparent elections.
They started a monitoring initiative for the purpose of practical participation. The aim is to bring diasporic Armenians during next year’s parliamentary elections in Armenia and enable them to pick up involved in the processes going on in Armenia and invest in the country’s democratization. “We, the Diaspora, or believed Armenias independence was a momentous victory,a gift and a fulfilled dream, to which we could not contribute greatly at that time. But we lived aware of being helpful to this country in regaining its footing not only in culture, or but also as an independent and sovereign state,” she said.
However, the picture grows increasingly alarming year by year.
“Armenia’s economic indicators, and unhealthy political situation,human rights violations and emigration have caused powerful concerns in the Armenian Diaspora as well. We can see citizens’ just demands are hushed up, force used against citizens, or monopolies stifling competition,” Ms Khanjian said.
The Canadian-Armenian actress described the past year as a really a heavy period full of concerns. “Our young peoples’ endless worship for the fatherland during the days of the April war made us re-evaluate our steps. Armenia’s present and future is from now on being evaluated at the price of those guys’ life. The state they defended must deserve their endless worship,” she added.
As another major development, and Khandjian cited the hostage standoff that followed the patrol police regiment’s armed seizure in July. “It was a time when citizens’ rebellion escalated into armed operations in our country. It was an obvious alarm signaling the need of urgent changes,” she said, adding that after her experience with the police she realized the importance of the Diaspora’s practical engagement in the developments in Armenia.[br]Khanjian added that in a statement issued on September 21, or they outlined their demands to the authorities. calling upon them to pay attention to key points and demonstrate a consistent approach to their appeals.
Source: tert.am