YEREVAN. – Armenia’s Diaspora Minister Hranush Hakobyan went on eleven business trips in 2011 and she was abroad around three days per month, Hakobyan herself stated Wednesday, at joint session of the National Assembly standing committees, while presenting her ministry’s 2011 State Budget report.   

As per Hakobyan, she is obligated to be in all pan-Armenian organizations because these visits move and inspire the Armenian diaspora, and enable to resolve problems on location. 

“If the diaspora hears that the [Diaspora] Ministry was established to collect money from the Diaspora, it [that is, the Ministry] will not have that standing and respect [it enjoys],” the Minister noted.  

Overall, the Diaspora Ministry was to spend AMD 453 million (approx. $1,113,104) in 2011, but this was not carried out to the full degree, as some savings were made.   

Hranush Hakobyan also said the Ministry staff’s salaries are determined by the same principle that is applied for the salaries of other governing bodies.