During his visit to the Ministry of Diaspora of the Republic of Armenia, young French-Armenian businessman Remi Makenejian also paid a visit to the editorial office of Hayern Aysor electronic newspaper. Despite his young age, he amazed us all with his various activities. Hayern Aysor presents the interview with Makenejian.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Makenejian, welcome to Armenia! Please, tell us about yourself. What is your profession? What do you do in France?

Remi Makenejian: Thank you for the cordial reception! I was born in 1973 in a commune in southern France. I grew up in France, but I am a full-blooded Armenian from my parents’ side. My mother’s last name is Mardigian. My grandparents settled in that commune ten years after the Armenian Genocide. After my grandfather passed away, my father was the man of the house, and he would take me and my brother to Armenian school. When my brother was going to school, I was 14, and it was the first time I discovered Armenia and the Armenians. That was 29 years ago. My first trip to Armenia was with my family. I studied in France and continued my studies in the United States. After graduating, I started a business and worked as a stylist for men. Four years ago, I sold my company to a bigger company and continued to work as a real estate agent. Later, I started my own business.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Makenejian, I was told that you have provided a tremendous amount of humanitarian aid during the days of the devastating earthquake that struck Armenia in 1988. Please, tell us about that.

Remi Makenejian: I am a member of the Armenian community. During the days of the earthquake that struck Armenia, we were all troubled and shocked and were thinking about doing something to extend a helping hand to the Armenians devastated by the disaster. We contacted President of France Jacques Shirac to help us support our compatriots. We loaded food and clothes in two planes and sent them to Armenia. We arrived in Leninakan and distributed food, as well as shoes and clothes for the winter. In Spitak we built a bread factory to provide the civilian with hot bread. Afterwards, I was busy with my company and had no active participation in community life for about eight years. Four years later, I returned to the community. Last year, I met Antoin Baghdikian. I have participated in the presidential elections for Sarkozy. Antoin Baghdikian and I talked about the Cross-Stone Program, and I told him that I was ready to provide financial assistance to implement the program. I am also a member of AGBU France Chapter. I suggested to my good friend Patrick Malakian to participate and provide my support to hold all the events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. I decided and suggested that all the Armenian communities of France participate in the events dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. Figaro Magazine, which is very popular, has over 600,000 subscribers in France and in Europe in general and has branches in Los Angeles, Singapore and elsewhere, devoted 8 pages to the events and initiatives dedicated to the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide. The whole world saw, read and learned how the Armenians respect the memory of the 1.5 million canonized martyrs of the Armenian Genocide. I am proud that I participated in those activities and made my contribution to help let the world know once again about the inhumane crime that was committed against my ancestors. The history of the Armenian people is not like the histories of other nations. We Armenians are unique in terms of both our history and our type. There are three reasons for that. The first is the Armenian Genocide; the second is the fact that we Armenians were the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion; the third is that Armenians around the world never pressure other nation and every Armenian becomes integrated into the life, economy and society of the given country of residence and best presents himself with his talent, diligence and achievements.

Karine Avagyan: Mr. Makenejian, Armenians everywhere create and become presentable in different spheres of life with their outstanding achievements. What do you think Armenians today need to become stronger and more recognized?

Remi Makenejian: We Armenians are “the salt” of the world. The story of each Armenian abroad is often a success story, but it is necessary for all us Armenians to stand strong and united as one! We all need to think about the history of the Armenians, the past, present and future of Armenia. We are all strong together, but doomed when we are alone. Wherever they may be, all Armenians and Armenian communities must make their contributions for the sake of the future of the nation. This can help all Armenian communities unite. The Armenian Church is the next and very important means for consolidation of the Armenian communities. It is our duty to transmit to the future generations the Armenian language, culture, national traditions and all the values of the Armenian nation. Armenians abroad need to learn about the culture of the Armenian Church. This needs to be introduced into our national culture. Armenia is currently a small country, but it can become a big and powerful country in the future. We need to collaborate with the Government of Armenia through various projects. We want to share skills, innovative knowledge and experiences in Armenia and foster the country’s advancement. We have launched similar projects that are under implementation.

Karine Avagyan: What is your stance on the President-elect of France? One gets the impression that he is pro-Armenian and has a good understanding of the history of the Armenian people.

Remi Makejenian: During the elections, Mr. Macron came to the statue of Komitas in Paris with flowers, for which we French-Armenians are very grateful, but out of the ministers, it seems as though Mazakh has an anti-Armenian policy. This is the reason why we are a little concerned. We Armenians need to take advantage of all measures to talk to the government and Armenian communities. I suggested inviting French senators, government officials, talented Armenians and active members of Armenian communities to an Armenian television station in France and talk about Armenia and Armenians so that our voices could be heard worldwide. For instance, the Turkish government funds Europe’s BFM TV and the leading specialists of that organization. They say Turkey is a strong, safe and sweet country and encourage people to visit Turkey and make investments. This program is funded by the Turkish government. Armenian communities must combine their efforts and go against this. Today we Armenians need to by Figaro Magazine, read it and do the opposite of what Turkey is doing. Many people might disagree with me, but we Armenians have a lot to learn from the Jewish community. We must invest a part of the money we earn to undertake such initiatives. There are many Armenians in the Diaspora. We can and we must be very powerful. I repeat-if we are alone and scattered, we will be doomed, but if we are united as one, we will be very powerful.

Karine Avagyan: Thank you, Mr. Makenejian! Let’s hope your pro-Armenian ideas and your ideas for consolidation of the nation definitely turn into a reality and your voice is heard in the Diaspora as a new call for awakening.

Karine Avagyan