Kerobyan comments on fears that Turks and Azerbaijanis may get Armenian citizenship because of simplified procedures
YEREVAN, October 19. /ARKA/. Economy Minister Vahan Kerobyan downplayed today public fears that ethnic Azerbaijanis or Turks may be granted Armenian citizenship if a bill drafted by Armenian police would allow foreigners become Armenian citizens in return for investing at least $150,000 in Armenia.
The police suggested that the Armenian government amend the procedure of granting Armenian citizenship in exchange for investments from $150,000 to $100 million. It suggests also granting Armenian citizenship to foreign investors meeting a number of criteria for their contribution to economic, scientific, cultural, health and sports in Armenia.
Kerobyan clarified that Armenian citizenship would not be granted to all applicants without exception.
"Naturally, all applications would be scrutinized by the police or the National Security Service. I think that at that level all fears will be completely neutralized, and there will not be a situation with too many citizens with dual Armenian and Turkish citizenship," he told reporters on Wednesday.
At the same time, Kerobyan did not rule out obtaining Armenian citizenship by Turkish citizens, adding that there are many ethnic Armenians living in Turkey.
"I am sure that all suspicious or dangerous cases will be neutralized," he said.
The minister noted that foreign investment, both by individuals and large companies, has always been encouraged in Armenia.
"With this bill, we want to take advantage of the opportunities that exist in the world. In other words, to solve two issues at once," he added.
The first, according to the minister, is the issue of immigration: persons of a certain category will be able to become citizens of Armenia and contribute to the development of such areas as economy, culture, art and science.
"The development of Armenia's economy through investments is also very important," he explained.
Kerobyan noted that the draft is currently being elaborated and will be made more precise before it is sent to the National Assembly’s approval.
According to official data, the number of Armenian citizenship applications has surged to 9,917 in the first half of this year, up from 3,448 such requests received in the year-earlier period.
The bulk of the applicants are from ethnic Armenian citizens of Russia. According to the Armenian law, Diaspora Armenians are eligible for fast-truck dual citizenship. The law does not set residency requirements for them. -0-
