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Armenia Not to Make Concessions Under Threat

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  • Armenia Not to Make Concessions Under Threat

    ARMENIA NOT TO MAKE CONCESSIONS UNDER THREAT
    VASAK TARPOSHYAN


    Hayots Ashkhar Daily
    Published on April 05, 2008


    After 2 years of major repairs, the central office of
    `Ardshininvestbank' was opened yesterday, in the former building of the
    Mayor's Office of Yerevan. Attaching importance to the event, the
    President and the Prime Minister of the Republic were present at the
    opening ceremony. Profiting by the occasion, the journalists addressed
    some questions to President ROBERT KOCHARYAN.


    `Mr. President, how will you comment on E. Mamedyarov's recent
    statement on proceeding with the Karabakh settlement talks?'

    `It's obvious that Azerbaijan recently tried to take advantage of
    Armenia's internal political situation with the purpose of influencing
    the negotiation process. This should oblige the Armenian side to be
    much more determined in fundamental issues. And certainly, no
    concessions or changes must be made as much as the approaches are
    concerned. On the contrary, it is necessary take a tougher stance in
    such cases.

    We should at least realize that Armenia's stability, paces of
    development and strength are the best guarantees for having firm
    positions with regard to the Karabakh issue.'

    `What are you going to do after April 9? What position are you going to
    occupy?'

    `Does the pretext of your question imply that I have to occupy some
    position by all means? I guess this is the style of radio station
    `Liberty'. I have no desire to tell you and especially radio station
    `Liberty' what I am going to do. I have more respect for the activity
    of those Armenian media which care about their problems and are not
    funded by other governments. I have decided not to answer you because
    what you do is aimed at undermining the foundations of the Armenian
    statehood. I cannot have a positive attitude towards that.'

    `Do you follow the process of the investigation launched in connection
    with the March 1 events?'

    `They report me on the process every week. Twenty cases have been sent
    to the court. The process is under way. Today, it is already obvious
    that the disorders bore an organized nature. The major part of the
    events has been restored by every hour and minute. And the people who
    are trying to speculate the issue of the political detainees will be
    greatly disappointed during the court hearings when they familiarize
    themselves with the actual materials which are being collected by the
    investigative group and which will be included in the indictment.

    I repeat, they will be greatly disappointed because they will see what
    kind of people they tried to protect.'

    `On what grounds did you remove Manvel Grigoryan from office?'

    `His holiday finished on March 1, and on March 2 he was removed. I also
    have his written notice. But, of course, the removal should be viewed
    in the whole context.'

    `What can you briefly say about the economy you are going to hand over
    to Serge Sargsyan?'

    `If we view the issue based on the indices of last year, we can say
    that the economy is in a state of sustainable development. During the
    month of March, there was a certain fall in terms of the volumes of
    trade which, I think, is natural, considering the internal political
    situation. But obviously, all that is possible to overcome, and I have
    no doubt that we have the opportunity to finish the year with serious
    indices.

    There is one factor that should be considered: the international
    economy records decline in all the spheres. This may produce a certain
    impact on the paces of the development of Armenia's economy. But I am
    sure that even in this case it is possible to conduct such a policy and
    find such solutions that will make it possible avoid the negative
    impact resulting from the fall of the international economy.

    Such crises and political tensions usually produce a more serious
    impact on those countries where the stock market is developed and from
    where it is much easier to get away. The stock market in Armenia is
    underdeveloped; there is, actually, no capital market. The investments
    have been mainly made in the real sector of economy. And these are the
    investments which have neither a place nor a desire for getting away.
    For instance, where should this bank move? There is no such hazard in
    Armenia.'

    `Is it possible for the internal political situation to abate as a
    result of extraordinary parliamentary elections?'

    `The most illogical idea I heard with regard to those questions was the
    idea of extraordinary parliamentary elections. Extraordinary elections
    are held in case the parliament doesn't work and is unable to form a
    government or pass laws. See how effective the activity of our
    parliament is. There are very few parliaments of the kind.

    Why should new elections be held? If we are guided by such logic, each
    election should be immediately followed by a new one. I don't think any
    election may bring about the abatement of the political situation in
    Armenia. On the contrary, each new election gives rise to a new
    tension.'
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