New Armenians' association formed in Russia after political changes in Armenia

The creation of the new organization of the Armenian Diaspora "Association of Armenians in Russia" (AAR) was strongly influenced by the "velvet revolution" in Armenia, reported Arsen Alexanyan, a member of the initiative group. Members of the Armenian Diaspora believe the activities of the "Union of Armenians in Russia" (UAR), created in 2000, do not always meet the interests of Armenians living in Russia.

The AAR's main goal is to contribute to the social and cultural formation of the Armenian society in Russia, the "Voice of Armenia" reports.

Arsen Alexanyan, the director of the Armenian Museum of Moscow, noted that the changes in Armenia influenced the new organization, but they were not a reason for its creation.

According to him, the organization has several areas of activities, including legal support for Armenians who come to Russia, preservation and popularization of the Armenian identity, and creation of a personnel centre to find job for compatriots.

The Armenian Diaspora's organizations can compete more for establishing relations with Russian officials rather than for the financial support of the state, believes observer Hayk Khalatyan. According to him, the AAR's future depends on relations with the authorities in the Russian Federation.

Al Kopiyan, a resident of Moscow, told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent that he addressed the UAR, but faced indifference.

The UAR makes a significant contribution to the coordination of interethnic relations in Russia, believes Nelly Babayan, a PR specialist.