“Hayern Aysor”’s correspondent sat down for an interview with deputy leader of the Armenian community of Khabarovsk Avetik Galstyan, who was one of the participants of the discussion meeting with leaders and representatives of Armenian communities of the CIS countries and Georgia organized by the RA Ministry of Diaspora.

Avetik Galstyan: Based on non-official data, there are nearly 7,000 Armenians living in the Khabarovsk region.

The Armenian community has been around for the past five years. The leader is Ashot Galstyan, and I have been the community’s deputy leader for the past two years.

The community has a newspaper, a two-day school, a choir and dance group and a soccer team called “Ararat”. Recently, our soccer team participated in the soccer championship for the cup of the mayor of Khabarovsk and won second place.

“Hayern Aysor”: Mr. Galstyan, you said there are nearly 7,000 Armenians living in the region. How many Armenians are members of the community?

A. G.: Nearly 500 Armenians actively participate in the community events and are concerned about issues concerning the community. Out of those 500, nearly 20 are the most active and provide the community with financial assistance as well.

We hold events with members of the community and guest groups on a regular basis. Out of the events, I would like to set aside the evening dedicated to Arno Babajanyan.

In late September, a group from Artsakh visited our region, and the concert called “We and Our Mountains” was a great success.

“Hayern Aysor”: You mentioned that there are several thousands of Armenians living in Khabarovsk region, but only several hundred of them are actively involved in the community. What do you think is the reason for that?

A. G.: Unfortunately, not all the Armenians realize the need for a community. Many say they are working and don’t have free time.

One gets the impression that the people who are concerned about the community and who participate in the programs and events are unemployed and have nothing to do.

Despite the difficulties, we try to preserve the Armenian identity, especially among the youth. It’s hard to stay clung to your roots and traditions when you live 8,000 kilometers away from your homeland.

“Hayern Aysor”: How are the youth involved in solving problems concerning the community?

A. G.: The youth are becoming more and more active and are trying to consolidate around the community. We do our best to support their initiatives and organize programs and events to motivate and encourage them.

“Hayern Aysor”: Do the youth participate in the programs organized by the Ministry of Diaspora? Most of the programs of the ministry are devoted to the youth.

A. G.: One of the representatives of our youth participated in the “Ari Tun” Program this year.

The youth are mainly passive because of the long distance and the high airfare.

I personally visit Armenia often (this is my third visit to Armenia), but I’m participating in the ministry’s programs for the first time ever.

During every visit, I try to visit the Ministry of Diaspora, receive information about new programs, hear advice, solve problems with textbooks and take materials. We always feel the ministry’s support and have never been rejected.

Interview by Lusine Abrahamyan