ARF CONFERENCE CONCLUDES IN YEREVAN
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/09/04/arf-conference-concludes-in-yerevan/
By Weekly Staff // September 4, 2013
YEREVAN-On Aug. 24-26, the ARF Bureau held a conference in Yerevan
to discuss four key topics: organizational problems, the situation in
the Caucuses and its implications on Armenia, the country's domestic
realities, and the relationship between the diaspora and Armenia. ARF
delegates and representatives from various Armenian communities in
the diaspora, as well as from various regions of Armenia, attended
the talks.
The conference reflected on the challenges and problems confronting
Armenians and Armenia, and discussed ways in which the ARF could
best use its manpower and resources. It underscored that collective
work was essential to overcoming the organizational problems of the
ARF. In order to keep pace with the time and current events, it is
crucial to develop a clear strategy, while making the best use of
technological development, members said.
The conference examined the social, economic, and psychological
situation of Armenia, and discussed the negative and worrisome features
that threaten the integrity of the present-day republic, especially
the rate of emigration from the country, which is increasing on a
daily basis and threatens the country's national security. It was
agreed that in order to stop this phenomenon, the state is obliged
to adopt socio-economic measures that will benefit the people.
In regards to the situation in the Caucuses, conference attendees
asserted the following points: 1) The region is witnessing various
transformations, which will lead to global changes. Armenia is affected
by these changes, and hence is being confronted by new challenges
and problems.
2) Armenia's foreign policy is presently facing temptations. The
country stands between Russia's and the West's power-balancing
intrigues.
3) To overcome the current challenges, it is essential for the Armenian
state to strengthen itself internally, and to unify its manpower and
adopt an active foreign policy.
4) The conference made it clear that the ARF does not accept any
skirmishes on the Karabagh-Azerbaijan border that would threaten the
national security of the people and the state. From this perspective,
it is necessary to adopt a new policy as far as the international
recognition of Karabagh is concerned.
5) The centennial of the genocide should serve to strengthen the
efforts towards the Armenian Cause (Hai Tahd), to formulate the current
targets as far as our national demands are concerned, and to widen
the content and geography of our efforts towards the Armenian Cause.
6) The Armenian state must seek multilateral economic and political
ties to secure guarantees of an independent policy.
The conference also discussed the political developments in the
Middle East, and especially the challenges facing the Syrian-Armenian
community. Attendees affirmed that Syrian Armenians remain a priority
for the ARF in the political, national, and state context. Their harsh
economic and material situation compels us to regard the issue as a
problem that requires continuous, daily effort. Furthermore, in order
to solve the problems of the various endangered Armenian communities
worldwide, it is essential to establish mutual relationships and work
with international organizations and the governments of the countries
in question. Cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora requires
continuous effort, which can be achieved by focusing on positive
initiatives and clear targets.
The conference confirmed that for the service of the Armenian
Nation and Armenia, it is a priority for the ARF to strengthen its
organization and presence in Armenia and the diaspora.
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2013/09/04/arf-conference-concludes-in-yerevan/
By Weekly Staff // September 4, 2013
YEREVAN-On Aug. 24-26, the ARF Bureau held a conference in Yerevan
to discuss four key topics: organizational problems, the situation in
the Caucuses and its implications on Armenia, the country's domestic
realities, and the relationship between the diaspora and Armenia. ARF
delegates and representatives from various Armenian communities in
the diaspora, as well as from various regions of Armenia, attended
the talks.
The conference reflected on the challenges and problems confronting
Armenians and Armenia, and discussed ways in which the ARF could
best use its manpower and resources. It underscored that collective
work was essential to overcoming the organizational problems of the
ARF. In order to keep pace with the time and current events, it is
crucial to develop a clear strategy, while making the best use of
technological development, members said.
The conference examined the social, economic, and psychological
situation of Armenia, and discussed the negative and worrisome features
that threaten the integrity of the present-day republic, especially
the rate of emigration from the country, which is increasing on a
daily basis and threatens the country's national security. It was
agreed that in order to stop this phenomenon, the state is obliged
to adopt socio-economic measures that will benefit the people.
In regards to the situation in the Caucuses, conference attendees
asserted the following points: 1) The region is witnessing various
transformations, which will lead to global changes. Armenia is affected
by these changes, and hence is being confronted by new challenges
and problems.
2) Armenia's foreign policy is presently facing temptations. The
country stands between Russia's and the West's power-balancing
intrigues.
3) To overcome the current challenges, it is essential for the Armenian
state to strengthen itself internally, and to unify its manpower and
adopt an active foreign policy.
4) The conference made it clear that the ARF does not accept any
skirmishes on the Karabagh-Azerbaijan border that would threaten the
national security of the people and the state. From this perspective,
it is necessary to adopt a new policy as far as the international
recognition of Karabagh is concerned.
5) The centennial of the genocide should serve to strengthen the
efforts towards the Armenian Cause (Hai Tahd), to formulate the current
targets as far as our national demands are concerned, and to widen
the content and geography of our efforts towards the Armenian Cause.
6) The Armenian state must seek multilateral economic and political
ties to secure guarantees of an independent policy.
The conference also discussed the political developments in the
Middle East, and especially the challenges facing the Syrian-Armenian
community. Attendees affirmed that Syrian Armenians remain a priority
for the ARF in the political, national, and state context. Their harsh
economic and material situation compels us to regard the issue as a
problem that requires continuous, daily effort. Furthermore, in order
to solve the problems of the various endangered Armenian communities
worldwide, it is essential to establish mutual relationships and work
with international organizations and the governments of the countries
in question. Cooperation between Armenia and the diaspora requires
continuous effort, which can be achieved by focusing on positive
initiatives and clear targets.
The conference confirmed that for the service of the Armenian
Nation and Armenia, it is a priority for the ARF to strengthen its
organization and presence in Armenia and the diaspora.