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Armenian parliament debates dual citizenship concept

Yerevan, 24 June 2006 – The main idea of hearings on dual citizenship convened today by an Armenian parliament committee on foreign affairs was that it would help Armenians worldwide to rally around their homeland and use to the full their potentials and resources. The clause in 1995 Constitution banning dual citizenship was removed last November, when Armenians approved a set of constitutional amendments in a nation-wide referendum. But possible repercussions of introduction of dual citizenship still remain unclear. Critics say the introduction of dual citizenship could lead to a radical change in the relationship between the Armenian state and millions of Armenians who live outside it. According to different estimates, the official population of Armenia is no more than three million, while between seven and ten million Armenians live elsewhere in the world.

Supporters of dual citizenship argue that its introduction would enable the Armenian Diaspora to render assistance more effectively, increase foreign investment into the country and bring expatriate Armenians psychologically closer to their historical motherland. Opponents of the idea say that it is fraught with unforeseen consequences and could surrender sovereignty to people in other states. They say dual citizenship is only possible where a bilateral agreement could be struck with another country. But this can be problematic for Armenia.

Dual citizenship is being vigorously advocated by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) which has developed a draft concept on how to grant Armenian citizenship to Diaspora fellows. ARF member Armen Rustamian, head of a special commission to tackle the issue, said today they expect the hearings to clarify answers to many questions, to help specify the circle of working international norms and standards which could be used while drafting the Armenian law.

Science and education minister Levon Mkrtchian, also from the ARF, spoke extensively about the international regulation of the dual citizenship. Constitutional Court chairman Gagik Harutunian reminded that only 54 of 191 member states of the United Nations recognize the dual citizenship. Harutunian said it is critical to adopt such a law that would dismiss all related concerns.

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