Armenia Diaspora Report

Meguerditch Bouldoukian



 

 

PROPOSED OUTLINE PLAN

FOR

ARMENIA - DIASPORA COOPERATION

 

Meguerditch L. Bouldoukian

 

Beirut, June 1999

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

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.

 

A. VISION STATEMENT

Through well-defined goals and adequate tools achieve full cooperation of all Armenians in the Diaspora. Turn national sentiments into pragmatic bond by assigning appropriate rights and devising attractive incentives. In return, plan and expect voluntary obligation to participate in the historic rebuilding of our free nation.

Based on long term national strategy, plan and utilize total potential capabilities of both the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora. Define collective rights, roles and responsibilities. Aim at a desirable setup where every Armenian community becomes an active member of the nation, in sentiments, thoughts and actions.

Acknowledge the historical importance of Diaspora and consider it as a separate entity getting pride in the Republic of Armenia as a source of national inspiration. In order to stop the accelerating havoc of assimilation, devise dialectical means to achieve constructive, positive and durable interactive relationship between the two wings of the same nation with their proper social structure and mentality but the same essential common need for national identity, prosperity and quality of life.

As citizens of a multitude of countries, Armenians have different legal and moral obligations that should be respected fully. However, it is their human right to have their own system of thought and paradigm, as long as they are not in contradiction with universal ethical values and the laws of the countries where they live as citizens. Cultural differences have always been a source of mutual enrichment and a positive motivation for excellence.

 

 

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.

 

C. MISSION STATEMENT

            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.

 

D. THE PRESENT SITUATION

          REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

Politics

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

Economy

               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

                                   

Culture

                        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

Politics

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?

Current status of the Church

Armenian Apostolic Church - Etchmiadzin

Armenian Apostolic Church - Cilicia

Armenian Catholic Church

Armenian Evangelical Church

Current status of other institutions

AGBU

Humanitarian organizations

Independent cultural associations

Independent research institutions

Independent professional associations

Economy

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

Culture

International wealth

Languages

Achievements in economy

Achievements in finance

Achievements in science and technology

Achievements in Arts

Achievements in Media

 

 

E. GOALS TO ACHIEVE

         

 

1.    REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

              

To preserve the political and military security of the Republic of Armenia and Artsakh, and to achieve continuous developments in the economic, social and cultural spheres.          

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.

 

Politics

 

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

Economy

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

 

Culture

                        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

       

          2. DIASPORA

 

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.

 

F. WHAT DIASPORA MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA

Public Relations

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

International Cultural Wealth

Financial know-how

            Banking

            Financial markets

            Management systems

            Legislation

Western technology

            Liberal professions

            Research and applied sciences

Languages

            As tools of communication

            Translation

          Transfer of experiences

                        Professional training

                        Seminars & symposia

 

Economy

Marketing Armenian products

            In international markets

            Guidance for marketing possibilities and requirements

National tax

            “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund donations

            Based on mutual profit of the giver and the receiver

Participation in development projects as

Individuals

Development funds

Corporations

Joint ventures

Private enterprises

Industry

Real estate

Trade

                       Tourism

                               Organized short and long stay tours

                                                Youth summer camps in Armenia

                                                Marketing in travel markets

 

 

G. WHAT THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA MAY CONTRIBUTE TO THE DIASPORA

Moral

Sense of belonging to a perennial nation

Sense of identity

                                                Active involvement in national decision making

Sense of security in case of collective difficulty

            Citizenship with limited rights

Sense of pride through

Political achievements

Military achievements

Economic achievements

Cultural achievements

                                             Acting as a unifying and coordinating force between

                                                Different political parties

                                                Different organizations

Politics

Defending human rights

            As a member of the United Nations

            As a member of regional organizations

Economy

 

Provide constitutional rights and credible incentives for

            Land ownership

            Investments in

                        Industry

                        Trade

                        Tourism

            Voluntary and definitive return to Armenia

Culture

Transfer of cultural know-how in the fields of

            Education

            Arts

            Researchers

Students from Diaspora in Universities of Armenia

            Armenian studies

            Political studies

            Humanities

Continuous cultural presence through

Recitals

Concerts

Exhibitions

Lectures

Forums

 

H. THE CURRENT RELATIONSHIP OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA WITH THE DIASPORA

Lack of wide scale and organized cooperation in the fields of 

Politics

            Absence of a national strategy

            Tactical reasons

            Psychological reasons

Economy

            Absence of credible objective information

            Past experiences

            Psychological reasons

Finance

            Risk factors

            Absence of long term planning

            Skepticism resulting from past experiences

Culture

            Financial factors

            Organizational issues

            Quality of the productions

Difficulties resulting from undefined national goals and means of achieving them

In the Republic of Armenia

            Elaboration of a national system of thought

            Elaboration of a credible long term plan

In the Diaspora

            Monitoring social and economic aspects

            Managing changing aspects of the Armenian identity

            Fostering Armenian economic togetherness

Difficulties resulting from difference between actual capabilities and expectations both in Armenia and Diaspora

Difference in political mentality and system of values

            Social reasons

            Psychological reasons

            Economic reasons

Difference in expectations

What?

Why?

How much?

When?

 

I. ACTION ITEMS

Through efficient organizational tools and continuous positive communication, to plan and implement a wide range of political, social, economic, technological and cultural projects using all available human resources, know-how and financial capabilities of the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora, aiming at the global development of the Armenian people.

 

Through research institutions, collect basic data and assess the brainpower and the economic wealth of Armenians as a first step in the constitution of a network of multi-level and multi-directional global cooperation between all Armenians for their own personal profit and the development of the Republic of Armenia.

 

Organizational

                                             Elaborate a national charter with well defined:

Vision Statement

Aims, goals and objectives

Internal regulations defining rights, obligations and standard procedures

Form a national assembly in the Diaspora composed of:

            Representatives of Armenian Churches

            Representatives of Armenian political organizations

            Representatives of cultural and humanitarian organizations

            Representatives of professional associations

            Researchers and intellectuals

Prepare database information: who’s who in Diaspora

Queries

General information

Personal and professional profiles

Financial profile

Who knows who, networks by:

Trade

Political orientation

Geographic location

                                             Fix priorities and elaborate projects                                                                                               Short term

                                                Medium term

                                                Long term

Prepare yearly agenda for activities

In Diaspora

In Armenia

Public relation

Media

Specialized written press covering Armenia-Diaspora issues

Satellite TV

Specialized progress reports

Focus on means to mobilize international media

Two way visits

From the Republic of Armenia to the Diaspora

Artistic groups

Businessmen

Trade organizations

Professional associations

Intellectuals

Official delegations

Students

Individuals

From the Diaspora to the Republic of Armenia

Businessmen

Real estate developers

Trade representatives

Engineers & architects

Financial experts

Bank managers

Insurance managers

Teachers

Intellectuals

Artists

Students

Personal contacts with

Community leaders

Representatives of businessmen’s associations

Representatives of professional associations

Representatives of political parties

Representatives of social institutions

Intellectuals

Armenian media workers

Circle of supporters

Political parties

Alumni of Armenian Universities

Other institutions

Incentives

Honorary rewards

Gifts

Honorary titles

Participation in committee activities

Letters and certificates of appreciation

Long stay visa facilities

Honorary citizen’s passport

Business opportunities in Armenia

Encouraging real estate ownership in Armenia by:

Building up confidence

Providing the necessary security for investment

Joint ventures in:

            Trade

            Industry

            Tourism

                                             Temporary living

Residence permits

Providing vacation resort facilities

Organizing special summer events

 

   

J. CONCLUSION

 

The present paper was first written in 1996, upon my appointment as “Hayastan” All Armenian Fund, Lebanon Local Executive Committee member. Certain sections were revised during May 1999, on the occasion of May 19, 1999 Regional Conference held at Demirdjian Center, in the presence of Mr. Vartan Oskanian, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Armenia, several ambassadors, and about 250 representatives of the Armenian Communities in the Middle East.

 

Views outlined, are my own opinion, and they do not necessarily represent the opinion of organizations and associations I am a member of. By its comprehensive outline form and objective propositions, the proposed plan may be helpful to have an overall notion of the fields to be considered. At the same time it may be used as a memorandum for the preparation of the order of meeting of the projected Armenia-Diaspora Conference to be held on September 22, 1999, in Erevan.

 

At a later stage, it will be my pleasure and honor, if the proposed ideas and the methodology are adopted as a first draft only. Subsequently, they may be revised, completed, and developed further, through specialized task forces, in view of the elaboration of a National Charter with a clear mission statement, aims and objectives. Then only, the necessary organizational structure, tools and means may be defined and within the framework of a rational timetable of priorities an efficient fieldwork may be launched.

       

            Unless a national consensus is reached around major national aims, and an agreement is reached about the methodology to be followed, there is a high risk that details overwhelm the main issues, and means continue to be considered as aims. Prerequisites of a constructive dialogue are first and foremost, definition of the purpose and the point-of-reference or paradigm to be adopted to accomplish that purpose. Otherwise, as a nation, we might continue to be lost in the labyrinth of a multitude of simultaneous monologues, for centuries to come. 

 

TABLE OF CONTENT

 

INTRODUCTION

A.   VISION STATEMENT

B.    CREDO

C.   MISSION STATEMENT

D.   THE PRESENT SITUATION

E.    GOALS TO ACHIEVE

F.    WHAT DIASPORA MAY CONTRIBUTE TO

THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA 

G.   WHAT THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA MAY CONTRIBUTE TO DIASPORA

H.   THE CURRENT RELATIONSHIP OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARMENIA WITH THE DIASPORA

I.      ACTION ITEMS

J.     CONCLUSION

 

 

PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name                           Meguerditch Ludwig Bouldoukian

Nationality                  Lebanese

Date of Birth               January 13, 1938

Place of Birth              Lebanon

Education                    1957, AGBU, Hovaguimian-Manouguian Secondary School

1963, American University of Beirut, BAE

Profession                   Architect, member of Order of Engineers and Architects

                                    Co-owner of Garden Tower Hotel

Social activities           AGBU, Lebanon Chapter, District Committee Member

                                    AGBU, Lebanon Chapter, Chairman of Academic Committee

Haydjar, Chairman of Association of Lebanese Armenian Engineers and Architects

Lebanese Armenian Artists’ Association, Committee Member

Email                           gardentower@cyberia.net.lb