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NEW ATTITUDE?: OPPOSITION SEPARATES FOREIGN POLICY PROCESSES FROM STRUGGLE FOR DEMOCRACY
Naira Hayrumyan
ArmeniaNow
23.09.10
"ANC will fight for democracy, regardless of foreign-policy processes."
For most of its existence as an independent republic, Armenia has
felt the effect of foreign-policy influence on domestic policy.
Both the opposition and pro-government forces agree that until Armenia
solves its foreign-policy issues, in particular, the Karabakh problem,
until it settles relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan, considerable
progress within the country is hardly possible.
This was also what the leader of the opposition Armenian National
Congress (ANC), first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan would
state until recently. Last fall the opposition suspended its rallies
to give authorities the opportunity to solve foreign-policy problems.
The opposition - considerably diminished since Ter-Petrosyan enjoyed
a rush of popularity through early 2008 -- seems to be changing its
tack. In his latest speech at a rally in Yerevan on September 17,
Ter-Petrosyan said that people do not need a third force to combat
its "gangster state". He said that ANC will fight for democracy,
regardless of foreign-policy processes.
Perhaps this is due to publications and presentations by experts
who contend that for attracting public support the opposition needs
to set aside global geopolitical problems and bring its activities
to the defense of civil interests. Experts say that the opposition
movement has waned because ANC, despite its meritorious effort,
does not address issues relevant to each individual.
The only visual act of support of civil interest was the organization
of a collective legal action on the "illegal gas price hike". The suit
was dismissed by the court, but it inspired a wave of public support.
Experts say that foreign-policy issues are used as a cover for inaction
by both the government and the opposition.
Ter-Petrosyan, too, claims that the government has used the Karabakh
problem as a lever to limit democracy, for human rights abuses,
political repression and justification of plunder at a state level.
"The government argues that it is necessary to find solutions to
national problems first and then tackle problems of democracy. And
since we have lots of national objectives ahead - Nakhichevan,
Javakhk, Western Armenia, then Armenia will remain without democracy,
elections and the rule of law still for another hundred years,"
said Ter-Petrosyan in his speech.
The opposition leader noted that the government's foreign and domestic
policies are based on attempts to get the support of the world's power
centers. "But if before President Serzh Sargsyan could win favors of
the West with promises of concessions, receiving forgiveness of sins,
then now he has lost such a possibility. If promises are not fulfilled,
the lever will operate in the opposite direction, and this time is
coming," said Ter-Petrosyan.
It was not said during last Friday's rally of the opposition what
specifically would change in the ANC mode of action. Ter-Petrosyan said
only that the next rally will be devoted to problems of corruption
that "erodes the country and has already resulted in a threat to
national security."
The opposition also speaks about intensifying protests. Moreover,
the ANC statement contains an appeal for civil disobedience, citing
the increasing cost of living and total monopolization of consumer
goods and necessities. The ANC has stopped short, however, of assuming
responsibility for the organization of such acts of civil disobedience.
From: A. Papazian
Naira Hayrumyan
ArmeniaNow
23.09.10
"ANC will fight for democracy, regardless of foreign-policy processes."
For most of its existence as an independent republic, Armenia has
felt the effect of foreign-policy influence on domestic policy.
Both the opposition and pro-government forces agree that until Armenia
solves its foreign-policy issues, in particular, the Karabakh problem,
until it settles relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan, considerable
progress within the country is hardly possible.
This was also what the leader of the opposition Armenian National
Congress (ANC), first president of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan would
state until recently. Last fall the opposition suspended its rallies
to give authorities the opportunity to solve foreign-policy problems.
The opposition - considerably diminished since Ter-Petrosyan enjoyed
a rush of popularity through early 2008 -- seems to be changing its
tack. In his latest speech at a rally in Yerevan on September 17,
Ter-Petrosyan said that people do not need a third force to combat
its "gangster state". He said that ANC will fight for democracy,
regardless of foreign-policy processes.
Perhaps this is due to publications and presentations by experts
who contend that for attracting public support the opposition needs
to set aside global geopolitical problems and bring its activities
to the defense of civil interests. Experts say that the opposition
movement has waned because ANC, despite its meritorious effort,
does not address issues relevant to each individual.
The only visual act of support of civil interest was the organization
of a collective legal action on the "illegal gas price hike". The suit
was dismissed by the court, but it inspired a wave of public support.
Experts say that foreign-policy issues are used as a cover for inaction
by both the government and the opposition.
Ter-Petrosyan, too, claims that the government has used the Karabakh
problem as a lever to limit democracy, for human rights abuses,
political repression and justification of plunder at a state level.
"The government argues that it is necessary to find solutions to
national problems first and then tackle problems of democracy. And
since we have lots of national objectives ahead - Nakhichevan,
Javakhk, Western Armenia, then Armenia will remain without democracy,
elections and the rule of law still for another hundred years,"
said Ter-Petrosyan in his speech.
The opposition leader noted that the government's foreign and domestic
policies are based on attempts to get the support of the world's power
centers. "But if before President Serzh Sargsyan could win favors of
the West with promises of concessions, receiving forgiveness of sins,
then now he has lost such a possibility. If promises are not fulfilled,
the lever will operate in the opposite direction, and this time is
coming," said Ter-Petrosyan.
It was not said during last Friday's rally of the opposition what
specifically would change in the ANC mode of action. Ter-Petrosyan said
only that the next rally will be devoted to problems of corruption
that "erodes the country and has already resulted in a threat to
national security."
The opposition also speaks about intensifying protests. Moreover,
the ANC statement contains an appeal for civil disobedience, citing
the increasing cost of living and total monopolization of consumer
goods and necessities. The ANC has stopped short, however, of assuming
responsibility for the organization of such acts of civil disobedience.
From: A. Papazian