YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Armenian President Robert Kocharian held a meeting on September 29 with the participants in the celebrations and seminar held on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society.
The President praised the role and traditions of the ARS–saying a well-organized Diaspora is an important and effective factor which is considered by different states and organizations. Today–using its potential–the Diaspora is supporting Armenia and its authorities in their foreign policy. The President considered it important that for effectively using its potential and properly carrying out its activities–the Diaspora needs positive impulses.
He also considered the active involvement of Diasporan businessmen in Armenia’s economic life extremely important. He stated that contacts have become more active over the recent years–and investors are showing interest in promising prospects–especially in the establishment of joint ventures. Kocharian stressed that all the spheres are involved in economic reforms–and Armenia is ready for integration into global economy. "Armenia is an open country and is creating open society based on the principles of rule of law and democracy," he commented.
Armenia is entering the new millennium by celebrating the 1700th anniversary of the proclamation of Christianity. President Kocharian said that properly organizing and holding the celebrations in Armenia will need the assistance of pan-Armenian structures. According to him–it is desirable that each Armenian family in the Diaspora send at least one of its members to the homeland to participate in the celebrations and see Armenia in the third millennium.
As regards to dual citizenship–the president said that at the end of November the package of Constitutional amendmen’s–including the provisions of dual citizenship–will be submitted to the National Assembly.