We Can Work Very Well with 50 People: Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs

There are so many things being said on social networks; I don't know what the talk is about. This was stated by the Chief Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs of Armenia, Zareh Sinanyan, in a conversation with journalists, responding to questions regarding allegations that his appointment was not unanimously accepted in the Diaspora.

In response to remarks that there had been information suggesting he promoted the interests of the Dashnaktsutyun party during an official visit to the U.S. with former Diaspora Minister Mikitar Hayrapetyan, Sinanyan remarked that he had been engaged in public activities for 13 years, stating he is a political figure who can have people who dislike him, which he considers normal. “People have the right to have opinions. I have been the mayor of Glendale and represented the interests of the citizens there. As for what you say about Mikitar Hayrapetyan, you should clarify that with him; I don't recall such a thing,” he said.

He also noted that it is no secret he had good relations with Prime Minister Pashinyan even before his appointment. Regarding the commissioner's office, Sinanyan stated that his vision is to have 50 people, but the office has not yet been fully formed. “I believe we can work very well with 50 people. We don’t have a budget; we are part of the Prime Minister's office budget. The main issue is to strengthen relations with the Diaspora; at the moment, we are restoring trust in Armenia, which was damaged due to the policies of previous administrations,” he announced.

When asked why he left the U.S. and came to Armenia, what attracted him, he responded with a desire to engage in the development of his homeland. “I definitely know that I can work well, and through my work, I must show whether it was a good choice or not,” Sinanyan concluded.