Meguerditch L. Bouldoukian
Beirut, June 1999
The Proposed Outline Plan for
Armenia-Diaspora cooperation is an open-ended report that may be continuously
updated through revisions, additions, and detailed partial studies. It is based
on years of observation, analysis and meditation about the past, the present
and the future of Armenians in general and the Armenian Diaspora in particular.
Who we are?
What are we doing?
What should be done? Are simple questions for a problem as
complex as collective life can be. They are not abstract philosophical queries.
Finding answers to them is an essential and necessary prerequisite for the
definition of our national purpose.
Since time immemorial, in the
absence of a national self evaluation, credo and vision statement we were not
able to define our national purpose. Only on rare occasions, heroic actions of
the few have turned our passive vegetation into dynamic renaissance. Most of
the time, dominated by successive external forces, we have gone astray, and
passively we have survived, turning tools and means into aims to achieve.
Hence, it is an absolute must, through a collective introspection and objective analysis, to formulate a general and comprehensive vision of the present state of our national affairs. And, through a unifying credo to define a system of thought and its constituent paradigm and point-of-reference, and then only devise the necessary organizational structure, tools and means for the achievement of goals and objectives within a plausible framework of priorities.
B. CREDO
I Believe
in the sacred land of Armenia, crowned by Ararat, landing spot of Noah’s Ark
and rebirth of Humanity.
I Believe
in the perennial ethnic values of freedom, honor and independence since Haig of
the mythology, till the anonymous hero of Artsakh.
I Believe
in ethnic values of patient creativity in a hard and destructive environment
and abiding to human rights, long before they were written.
I Believe
in the territorial integrity of Historical Armenia and the eternal right and
responsibility of its recovery by all and every Armenian.
I Believe
in the independent and sovereign state of the Republic of Armenia, and the duty
of each and every Armenian to participate in its reconstruction and the right
to enjoy fruits of prosperity.
I Believe
in the fact that political, economic and cultural prosperity of the Republic of
Armenia shall have a positive moral and material influence on every individual
Armenian.
I Believe
in the fact that belonging to a group is one of the basic social needs of all
human beings, as a source of protection and stimulus for achievement.
I Believe
in the fact that sense of solidarity among individuals and groups and union of
efforts to achieve common goals is more than sum of individual efforts, it is
rather multiplication and a mighty qualitative leap towards moral purification
and material prosperity.
I Believe
in the fact that Armenian Civilization, as one of the oldest and rich
experiences, is a treasury of ethical values and pride, and as such it may
positively compare to any other civilization.
I Believe
in the fact that all human beings have the same set of genes, they are all
equal with the sum total of their force and weakness, and that only through
sharing the same values they are differentiated from each other.
Search for and devise a comprehensive system of thought by which as a nation and individuals we can organize our thinking and personal experience, channel actions, form relevant associations and social institutions, and relate to the world at large. Using a system of thought will significantly help the individual to create a personal reality which embody the best, long-range self-interest and to realize one’s fullest potential in an environment of rapid personal and social change.
The essential element of any system
of thought is the definition of its purpose. The definition of the goal
determines and configures the means; this is an absolute law that governs all
systems. Human nature is about striving; but it makes little sense to be
striving unless and until a person or a nation has an idea about what it is
for. Intelligent action requires conscious purpose. Future direction, a
coherent understanding of both the present and the past, moral values, means,
and methods, all are determined by the definition of purpose. Any system of
thought must have an explicitly defined, ultimate purpose; and that is the
first thing which needs to be resolved before moving on to means and methods and
setting forth long-range, intermediate, short-term, and immediate objectives.
After the definition of purpose, the next essential
element of any system of thought is to define in what entity that value counts.
All systems of thought define a central point-of-reference or being, for which
the system has its meaning. It may be God, the State or Money. All such
systems, explicitly or implicitly, subordinate the individual to their
respective, central points-of-reference, which are conceived as being outside
the individual. A conscious frame-of-reference and linking one’s identity to
that idea will, over time, substantially reorganize one’s thinking and actions
and direct them along a more positive, future-oriented path. It opens a new
perspective on our situation, priorities become realigned, the meaning of self
is redefined, social affiliations are restructured, and new opportunities
become more visible.
The third essential element of any system of thought is to define a priori beliefs that form the basis of a cosmogony. It may be formed of symbolic, legendary, historical, ethical, philosophical and different other values. They may be accepted by sheer belief and simultaneously rejected by rational analysis.
The last, essential element of any system of thought is to render them into practical application.
The following synopsis is a starting point only. Comprehensive and detailed studies of the political, economical and cultural fields are necessary in order an effective plan of cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora is devised and implemented, efficiently.
REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA
Internal
Synopsis of political system
Foreign
Relation with USA
Relation with EC
Relation with Russia
Relation with Turkey
Relation with Iran
Relation with Azerbaidjan
Relation with Georgia
Artsagh
Military
Political
Economical
Social
Demographical
Armenian cause
International affirmation of the
Armenian Genocide
Economic
trends and outlook
Principal
growth sectors
Balance of payment
situation
Infrastructure situation
Major political issues
affecting business
Government role in the
economy
Legal and regulatory concerns
Economical system
and ethical values
Legal system
Investment
climate
Right to private ownership
Protection of property rights
Taxes and other fees
Transparency of the regulatory
system
Conversion and transfer policies
Expropriation and compensation
Dispute settlement
Corruption
Capital outflow policy
Reconstruction
In Armenia
In Artsakh
Industry
Nature of
existing production
Standard norms &
specifications
Agriculture
Trade and
project financing
Trade
regulations and standards
Trade barriers:
import taxes
Customs
valuation
Import
licenses
Export
controls
Import
documentation
Fields and sources of
import
Transportation
Marketing
Distribution
and sales channels
Direct
marketing
Joint
ventures/licensing
Advertising
and trade promotion
Banking system
General financing
availability
Business infrastructure
Tourism
Types of
inbound tourism
Quality of the
existing hospitality services
Hotel room capacity
Marketing
Organizational issues
Cooperation with world
and regional organizations
Education
Educational
targets and programs
Market
requirements and higher education
Cooperation
with international institutions
Science
Existing
categories and their efficiency
Research
Technology
Existing
categories and their efficiency
Research
Arts and
Literature
Creative
issues
Social
issues
Organizational
issues
Financial
issues
Marketing
issues
Applied arts
Categories
Research
Organizational
isssues
Financial
issues
Media
Written press
Audio
visual
Internet
DIASPORA
Current status of the political parties
Social
Democratic Hentchakian Party
Armenian
Revolutionary Party
Ramgavar
Liberal Party
Communist Pary
Issues related to citizenship in different countries
Rights and
obligations
Political
lobbying
Disparate
activists
International
affirmation of the Armenian Genocide
Schedule of
present achievements
Armenian
historical claims
Lack of
coordination
Territorial
and financial claims
Cilicia: why
not on the agenda?
Armenian Apostolic Church - Etchmiadzin
Armenian Apostolic Church - Cilicia
Armenian Catholic Church
Armenian Evangelical Church
AGBU
Humanitarian organizations
Independent cultural associations
Independent research institutions
Independent professional associations
Nature of effort
Individual
Family
Short term
objectives and achievements
Nature of wealth
Bank accounts
Real estate
Industry
Local trade
Need to quantify
In each
country
Global
Inherent constraints for further development
Business
tradition
Psychological
causes
Educational
causes
Lack of collective effort through:
Corporations
Multinational
companies
Lack of collective financial tools
All Armenian
banks in Diaspora
Portfolio
management of national wealth
International wealth
Languages
Achievements
in economy
Achievements
in finance
Achievements
in science and technology
Achievements
in Arts
Achievements
in Media
E. GOALS TO ACHIEVE
With the cooperation of the
Diaspora, to devise a national strategy and a working plan, for the universal
recognition of the Armenian Genocide, and the imprescriptible right of the survivors
and their heirs to claim and obtain justice.
Internal
State program
of the Republic of Armenia
Foreign
State program of the Republic of
Armenia
Artsagh
Monitor world
and regional political developments
Genocide
Intensify lobbying
activities
Division of role between Armenia and
Diaspora
Intensify efforts for the
affirmation of Armenian Genocide
Legal, Regulatory and Environmental concerns
Licensing, taxation, investment
requirements
Finance
World
organizations
Multilateral organizations (IBRD,
IFC, EIB)
Export credit agencies
Institutional funds
International banks
Local banks
Privatization
Risk factors
Country risks
Political
Legal and legislative
Projections for exchange
rate for inflation, growth etc
Insurance program
Market demand risk
Industry
International
norms
Tourism
Heritage
Archeology
Festivals
Agriculture
Power
supply
Trade
Custom duty structure
Reconstruction
In Armenia
In Artsakh
Project
economics
Analysis of
macroeconomic assumptions
Analysis of project
assumptions
Analysis of cost
structure and source of revenues
Impact of inflation,
exchange rate, interest rate risks
Portfolio of investment
opportunities
Realistic
feasibility studies
Competition
Review of competing marketing
strategy, cost, precedents
Review of competing technologies and
products
Education
Fix aims and
develop new programs
Science
Enhance
existing structures
Define new research
sectors
Develop production
oriented applied sciences
Arts and Literature
Provide
incentives and financial assistance
Applied
arts
Turn it into
productive sector of the economy
Media
Internet
Satellite channels
Presence in the
international media
To preserve the cultural identity
of Armenian communities in the Diaspora through moral and material stimulus, to
introduce qualitative changes in their economic thought and activities and to
achieve a new social setup where unity of collective aims become predominant.
Integration of the individual
person as citizens in host countries is unavoidable, sooner or later. However,
identifying oneself to a group is a natural human need and a social fact.
Combining both, in a positive manner, is a challenge worth accepting, in the
interest of each and every Armenian individual, each and every Armenian
institution and the Republic of Armenia.
The following traditional tools
have been utilized as essential and necessary elements in the formation of the
Armenian Identity:
a.
Cultural
heritage: as a source of pride through past achievement
b.
Language: as
a means of communication and symbol of bond
c.
Church: as
unique personality within the universal religious systems and a reference of
perennial ethical values
d.
Family: as
the guardian of the collective memory through tradition
e.
Schools: in
building up of the spirit of a nation and its character
f.
Political
parties: forming active leaders for the community and defending collective
rights
g.
Cultural
associations and clubs: satisfying the spiritual needs and desires
In 1999, they are still essential
but not sufficient elements. New pragmatic tools should satisfy material needs
and desires, strengthening the bond between individuals with high motivation to
belong to the group as active members.
The following complementary tools
should be organized on a national level, to create a new momentum of solidarity
and cooperation, independently of all political or religious considerations:
1.
Professional associations: to translate sense of
solidarity into everyday material advantage.
2.
Association of individual having the same cultural
interests (in its widest sense), and belonging to different religious
communities, political parties and generations.
3.
Inventory of Armenian human resources: to organize and
utilize the potential collective knowledge and wealth of each and every
Armenian for the benefit of each and every other Armenian.
4.
Solidarity funds: through scholarship and career funds
establish a new order of relationship and honor system through which receivers of today become the givers of tomorrow.
5.
Establishment or development of research centers to
assist professional political lobbying and cultural propaganda.
6.
Establishment of an Armenian Economical and Social web,
interconnecting all active forces of the Nation, for the benefit of each and
everyone.
OBJECTIVES
It is necessary to define the nature and influence of external forces affecting our collective memory and values. Even powerful nations are aware of the danger of global mass media providing immense quantity of raw information, short of knowledge and wisdom. Monitoring ever changing environmental conditions and analyzing their negative and positive effect, is the starting point to design new national guideline for the utilization of the traditional and complementary tools necessary to preserve the Armenian Identity, within environments of undefined uniformity.
Proposed guideline for:
1.
Cultural heritage: through new methods and means and in
different languages and tools to diffuse it in all countries where Armenian
presence has already created a collective goodwill. Interactive positive
relationship through mutual respect of values is a source of enrichment.
2.
Language: Armenian language, as any other language, is
a plus for any person. As any living language, it is altered under the
influence of other languages and new terms. It is a historical fact that in
certain regions of Cilicia, Armenian communities continued to exist as such, long
after they had lost the practice of Armenian language. Hence, language being as
one of the factors, losing it under adverse situations should be compensated by
other means. Regional spoken language may be accepted as a rule, and the
knowledge and practice of literary language as the exception.
3.
Church: the Armenian Apostolic Church and later in
history, two other Armenian churches acted as guardians of Armenian culture.
During long periods of political vacancy they have regulated the Armenian
social structure and have implemented ethical values. Lately, due to different
factors, the bond has become loose, communion rare and symbolic. It is
necessary for the Church as for all other national institutions to reach the
people by speaking its language and understanding its needs. It would be
unrealistic, to expect people coming to the church by pure obligation or habit.
The Church in Diaspora, should be the caring and active leader, with a
long-term national vision, defining and implementing ethical and national
values and achieving the difficult task of reconciling contradictory partisan
expectations, in the interest of Armenian communities in Diaspora and the
Republic of Armenia.
4.
Family: external forces have naturally affected the
profile of the Armenian family in Diaspora. After a period of declared and
fierce opposition, mixed marriages, due to changing sociological conditions,
have increased in number. The traditional value of silent sacrifice, endured by
the couple, has given way to intolerance and divorce. Materialistic concerns
have replaced spiritual values and practical considerations have diluted moral
principles. Only through organized and true guidance the trend may be slowed
down reversion being next to impossible.
5.
Schools: in the absence of a National Credo and
guidelines for achieving national goals, the Armenian School has evolved
according to the new requirements of an ever changing world. Due to the lack of
well-defined, reasonable and convincing motivation to learn the Armenian
language, the dedicated and eminent teachers of the first generation did not
have enough followers. Archaic textbooks were not replaced with new editions
comparable in content and method with books of other languages and subjects.
Character forming, guidance for higher education with national considerations
were not programmed as a part of their mission. Lately, practical
considerations, such as official examinations or university entrance
examinations have encroached on the Armenian National Education, turning it in
the minds of several parents and their daughters and sons, into sentimental by
useless necessity. Through a clear definition of goals, a new momentum may be
created and through new methods and tools Armenian Education may occupy the
place it deserves.
6.
Political parties: as political organizations they had
a positive influence separately, each one within the circle of its influence,
forming disciplined and active social servants and leaders. However,
conflicting ambitions and power struggle lead them to reject the other, with
passion and animosity. Only a common Credo, acceptable by all parties, and a
rational charter of honor based on common National Goals may define and
regularize procedures and activities. Unity around the Credo and Goals is the condition for a national
renaissance. Multiplicity of actions within the framework of Unity of Goals is
both feasible and it is a useful necessity.
7.
Cultural associations: mass audio-visual media, has
affected the taste and interest of people. Universal values have suffocated
regional values. Uniformity through mass production has replaced the special
and the unique. Practical and
materialistic interests have overwhelmed spiritual joy of reading a poem,
synergy felt while watching an artistic work, symbiosis of a group creation. We
have all experienced the dullness of TV programs and zapping has become a
normal pastime at home. Interactive human contact remains a necessity. Through
the formation of interest groups, it is possible to animate activities of
cultural associations, motivate people to enjoy the presence of the other with
the same interest as his own, and be encouraged to express himself and expect
to be appreciated by others. Quality being relative, it is important to focus
on authenticity of the content and honesty of the form.
Goodwill generated by
Active and
responsible citizenship
Abiding to universal ethical values
Creative activities in arts and
sciences
Continuous and interactive presence in different countries
Assisting
embassies of Armenia to protect Armenian rights
Political lobbying
As active
citizens and organizations in each country
Through professional activists
Through research centers
Cultural propaganda
Hosting and
marketing Armenian artistic productions
Sponsoring artistic creations and
representations
Financial know-how
Banking
Financial markets