By KRIKOR KHODANIAN
The 23rd Congress of the Social Democratic Hunchakian Party (SDHP) was recently held in Yerevan. After addressing the Party’s internal organizational matters, the Congress focused primarily on the current situation in the Republic of Armenia and the challenges facing the Armenian people as a whole.
In its declaration issued at the conclusion of the Congress, the SDHP expressed satisfaction with “the steps taken in recent years in the homeland toward establishing peace, liberalizing the economy, strengthening democracy, improving the population’s standard of living, and advancing other areas.”
This statement directly counters the pessimistic rhetoric of those who loudly proclaim that Armenia is on the verge of collapse—claims that bear no resemblance to the reality on the ground. Lacking their own concrete programs for the country’s development and for addressing its foreign policy challenges, the radical opposition has instead embarked on a campaign to disseminate Azerbaijani narratives and create an impression of instability within the country.
Today, Armenia is a country that is flourishing and developing.
Despite facing numerous challenges, it has managed to overcome many of them and continues to work toward resolving the rest. This reality is evident to every citizen of Armenia and every member of the Armenian diaspora who visits the homeland.
Discussing developments in relations between Armenia and Turkey, the SDHP “reaffirmed its position that Armenian-Turkish relations must be distinguished from Armenia-Turkey relations at the state-to-state level.”
Our country is situated in a region surrounded by countries that pose security threats and have historically been unfriendly toward Armenia. The state cannot conduct its foreign policy on the basis of emotions. National interests and the strengthening of statehood must take precedence.
“For the SDHP, the negotiation process in no way means abandoning the Armenian people’s legitimate demands concerning Turkey.” Recognition of the Armenian Genocide and the question of reparations remain on our agenda. Diaspora Armenians, as those who continue to bear the consequences of the Genocide and as the legal successors of its victims, will continue to demand that their legitimate rights be upheld.
Relations with Azerbaijan remain the most complex and sensitive issue for Armenians, wherever they may live. On this matter, the Congress stated that bringing the peace process to completion serves the interests of the Armenian people. However, lasting peace cannot be achieved while Armenian prisoners remain incarcerated in Baku, people remain missing, the border delimitation process remains incomplete, and Azerbaijani troops continue to occupy Armenia’s sovereign territory.
“The Congress condemned Azerbaijan’s attempts to distort the identity and ownership of Armenian historical and cultural monuments, as well as its rhetoric that undermines the peace process.”
Turning to Armenia-Diaspora relations, it is important to build them on the basis of new approaches, with the strengthening and consolidation of Armenian statehood as the foremost priority. At the same time, the SDHP emphasized that, in view of the serious national and social challenges confronting the diaspora—particularly the growing threat of assimilation—“the Republic of Armenia’s special care and support are more essential than ever to assist in the vital mission of preserving Armenian identity.”
The diaspora has never been, and is not today, a homogeneous entity. Consequently, no single organization or group has the right to speak on behalf of the entire diaspora. Claims that Armenia and the diaspora have become estranged are misplaced and disconnected from reality. On the contrary, numerous organizations and individual entrepreneurs are implementing social, charitable, and economic programs that contribute to the development of the homeland.
Today, substantial financial investments are flowing into Armenia, a significant portion of which comes from diaspora Armenians. These investors are motivated not only by their patriotism but also by the fact that Armenia is increasingly becoming an attractive and profitable destination for businesses and investors.
The delegates who participated in the SDHP’s 23rd Congress will return to their respective countries encouraged by the achievements being recorded in the homeland. They will continue to advance the 139-year historical mission of the Hunchakian Party, whose fundamental commitment has always been—and remains—the defense of the homeland and its statehood.
“MASSIS”
