Hello, my name is Edmond Khudyan and I have a word of warning to Syrian-Armenians thinking about investing in Armenia.

Before launching any commercial enterprise in Armenia, proceed with caution when dealing with any officials, their relatives or any so-called sponsoring services.

I have ample cause to declare the need for such precautions.

I was born in Tehran in 1965 and relocated to Armenia in 1971. I went to school and worked in the Soviet Union until relocating to the U.S. with my parents in 1989. There, I started a successful business.

Never for a minute did I give up on my dream of returning to Armenia and starting a business. I got such an opportunity in 2004 when, at the urging of influential people in Armenia, I decided to heavily invest in the growing construction sector of the day.

Years later, I found myself facing the top tribunal in Armenia, comprised of cheats and criminals. Through a series of deceptions and frauds, they had wiped me clean.

My investments, like those of many other diaspora Armenians, were seized and pocketed in a case involving the entire state system.

However, contrary to other diaspora Armenians, not only did I decide to fight back and bring the guilty to justice, but I still believe and dream about increasing my investments in Armenia.

Thus, I urge my Syrian-Armenian businessmen to proceed with the utmost caution before dealing with any officials, their relatives or any so-called sponsoring services.

Remember that undertaking large projects in Armenia demands courage and dedication. Be aware that these traits alone will not guarantee success and might often lead to bankruptcy and asset confiscation.

But all this should not serve as a reason for us to stop dreaming about our participation and investment in forging a prospering Armenia. I am confident that I will have my rights and property restored, if not by the Armenian judicial system, then by applying to various international legal tribunals. Such a victory would set a welcome precedent in terms of defending the rights of diaspora Armenian investors.

I am ready to make all the services of the Committee to Defend the Rights of Diaspora Armenian Investors, an organization I founded in conjunction with other concerned individuals in the diaspora and Armenia, available to my Syrian-Armenian brothers and sisters who face similar violations of their rights in the homeland.

Given the conditions of corruption and impunity that reign in Armenia, it is imperative that we diaspora Armenians remain united and support one another.

We must never permit any authority in Armenia, their family or friends, to trample our dream to relocate to our homeland and, by investing our own sweat and sacrifice, to make it flourish.

Edmond Khudyan                                                                                            

U.S.A.