There are rumors about the possible closing of the Melkonian Institute in Cyprus in the Diaspora press now. To read one of the articles, click here. Melkonian is the big diasporan boarding school in Cyprus. Many Armenians, especially from the mid east attended that school. I don't know if there is any truth to it, or whether they would have plans to reopen it, but I would like to make my suggestion.

I think certain (obviously not all) diasporan institutions should be moved to Armenia. Imagine Melkonian Institute reopening in Ijevan in the big old hotel building there. It would completely reinvigorate the economy and be an incredible place to study. You sell the campus in Cyprus for the rumored $70 million, and buy/refurbish this one for $5 million and the rest of the money could be put to great use. I discuss this idea in more detail on the message board, but really, isn't it time we start to think about this. What institutions need to be located in the diaspora itself, and which should be moved to Armenia. The Mekhitarist school in Vienna. Yes, it has a long tradition and history, but really, why not lease out those premises and move the institution to Armenia?

Food for thought.