“When we visited Armenia for the first time, we saw its development process; and even now, after 10 years, you can easily see the continuing progress of the cities, the people, the rule of law, and individual attitudes. I think the more frequently people experience this progress, the more likely they are creatively productive. In 2004, I realized, that this is the right place to live. My second visit was in 2006, when I led the HMEM Iraq delegation to the Pan-Homenetmen Jamboree in Armenia. It was after the Jamboree that I made my final decision, went back, sold all my belongings, and moved to Armenia.”

“The jewellery industry in Armenia has high level of quality and can compete with the leaders of this industry. Moreover, I have never had any problems with my business here, which means that the field is open for every jeweller and I always feel the respect and the support of my colleagues here.”

“In 2006, when we moved here, the number of repatriates from Iraq was around 1000, but now, unfortunately, we don’t have that many of us still in the country. It is known, that if you want to live in Rome, you should be a Roman. It is much the same is with Armenia. Armenians, who live in different countries with different political and economic statuses, differ from each other. We should realize that Armenia is not France or Lebanon, and by moving here, we need to start to live as a local, not as Lebanese or French Armenian. Only in that case will we succeed.”