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WAR AND PEACE: AN INTERVIEW WITH NKR PRIME MINISTER ARA HAROUTYUNYAN
by Nanore Barsoumian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/06/14/war-and-peace-an-interview-with-nkr-prime-minister-ara-haroutyunyan/
June 14, 2012
On May 2, Armenian Weekly Assistant Editor Nanore Barsoumian sat down
with Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR) Prime Minister Ara Haroutyunyan
in his Stepanakert office to discuss the challenges facing the young
republic. Below is the full text of the interview.
Ara Haroutyunyan (Photo by Nanore Barsoumian) Nanore Barsoumian-Thank
you for this opportunity. First, I want to ask you about Karabagh's
domestic politics, and then discuss regional issues.
Ara Haroutyunyan-In regards to domestic issues, of course Karabagh
is a young republic, only 20 years old, and it still doesn't have a
state-building tradition. However, it already has a direction; it has
chosen the principles of democracy. We are moving ahead with those
principles. The government is being shaped by the will of the people,
expressed through elections. The most fundamental achievement is our
steadfast and firm march towards state-building. We have many domestic
issues, social problems, and problems with infrastructure. After
the Soviet years, and the devastation of the war, we have inherited
a tattered economy, and we face the challenge of reviving that
economy-in fact, not only reviving it, but bringing it up to step
with the scientific and technological developments of the day. Solving
these problems requires large financial resources. We are moving ahead
step by step. Every year new construction projects are completed,
but we still have a long way to go. We consider the development of
our economy as the most important issue of the day, as it will also
provide a way for us to solve other problems.
Regionally, little has been accomplished. There is no political
progress with Azerbaijan, although negotiations are ongoing.
Azerbaijan is not ready for a compromise. And as far as we are
concerned, one-sided compromises will never happen. That is why
the status quo has been maintained by force until today. Of course,
ceasefire violations continue. When faced with gunfire from the Azeri
side, we respond. Broadly speaking, however, peace has reigned for
some years now, and I am convinced that this will continue.
N.B.-Despite Aliyev's jingoistic language and the increase in the
government's weapons procurement?
A.H.-Yes, despite all that. We know that Aliyev's announcements are
first and foremost for internal consumption. The Azeri leadership and
the international community realize full well the devastation that
could be caused by renewed conflict in the region, as well as the
unpredictable consequences of the resumption of hostilities, which is
why I am convinced that we won't have another war. As far as weapons
procurement is concerned, we are not falling behind. Armenia's and
Artsakh's defense armies are equipped with the required weapons and
ammunition to maintain the status quo. We never fall back. We just
don't talk as much about it. Our level of preparedness is in no way
less than that of the Azeri armed forces.
N.B.-Going back to the domestic issues, how is the state of the
villages in Karabagh? I have been told during my interviews here
that rural migration and urban drift, especially to Stepanakert,
are problems.
A.H.-I agree. That problem exists throughout the world, including
Karabagh, where the youth prefer life in the cities. However, measures
must be taken so that the youth stay-especially because those villages
are the embodiment of our fundamental achievements. They constitute the
first line of defense against a multitude of challenges. What are we
doing about this? We are trying to create a conducive environment for
the development of our rural economy...through increased construction
and modernization in rural areas, so that villages become more
self-sufficient.
N.B.-Talk about the budget allocations to different projects.
A.H.-Funds are invested in all sectors. We invest in infrastructure:
on building roads, schools, kindergartens, houses, and hospitals. We
are working in all directions, but unfortunately, we face serious
financial challenges.
N.B.-The Azeri government has launched an aggressive worldwide campaign
on the "Khojali genocide." What measures have been taken to counter
these efforts?
A.H.-Of course this issue concerns not only us, but also Armenia and
the diaspora. We need to struggle against this together. Lobbying
plays a central role in international diplomacy; we have our diaspora,
Azerbaijan has money. Various countries have interests in Azerbaijan.
If in the past we had the upper hand and broader reach through our
diaspora, then today Azerbaijan's financial resources have closed
the gap. Azeri resistance and political activism has become palpable
in different countries. First and foremost, we need to redouble the
efforts of the diaspora. Also, by joining forces, we need to produce
and disseminate information to counter Azeri propaganda. We absolutely
need to wage this struggle together. I am convinced that with every
passing year this struggle will only become harder, and we are going
to rely more heavily on political activism in the Armenian Diaspora.
N.B.-Turkey and Azerbaijan are also trying to harness their
diasporas...
A.H.-Yes, and not only their diasporas. Their wealth allows them to
buy support.
N.B.-It was recently reported in the news that Israel wishes to attack
Iran through Azerbaijan. What would that mean for Karabagh?
A.H.-Any war in this region will have a negative impact not only on
Karabagh, but the region as a whole. War is not desired. Instability
in the region-whether economic, social, or otherwise-is not desired.
The likelihood of such a scenario is slim. They all realize that Iran
is one of the more powerful states in the region. It has a large
army, and a guiding ideology. The issue needs to be solved through
negotiations. Iran is not an easy morsel to swallow. It is a few
thousand-year-old civilization, and it has always been one of those
countries that has a say, has an impact.
N.B.-What factors would influence a solution to the Karabagh issue?
A.H.-First and foremost it is dependent on the will of our people. Of
course, there are interests involved. Major powers are attempting to
formulate a solution to the Karabagh issue. But if their proposals are
not satisfactory to us, they won't get anywhere. Azerbaijani oil plays
a role. The Russian influence is also a factor. U.S. interests play a
part, as do Georgian-Azeri relations. And Iran. Ultimately, however,
the solution is dependent on our people, and the people of Azerbaijan.
Where we stand and what we envision are paramount.
N.B.-And what solution do you envision?
A.H.-The solution will very much resemble the current status quo.
That's how I envision it. However, time and a generational shift
are necessary for people to come to terms with the status quo, and
accept it.
N.B.-What about the recognition of NKR?
A.H.-Recognition will come, but it is not a matter of 5 or 10 years.
To accomplish it, we need to have a strong economy, a unified nation:
Armenian Diaspora, Armenia, and Karabagh. We all need to work toward
the recognition of Karabagh, and I am convinced that we will be
successful.
by Nanore Barsoumian
http://www.armenianweekly.com/2012/06/14/war-and-peace-an-interview-with-nkr-prime-minister-ara-haroutyunyan/
June 14, 2012
On May 2, Armenian Weekly Assistant Editor Nanore Barsoumian sat down
with Nagorno Karabagh Republic (NKR) Prime Minister Ara Haroutyunyan
in his Stepanakert office to discuss the challenges facing the young
republic. Below is the full text of the interview.
Ara Haroutyunyan (Photo by Nanore Barsoumian) Nanore Barsoumian-Thank
you for this opportunity. First, I want to ask you about Karabagh's
domestic politics, and then discuss regional issues.
Ara Haroutyunyan-In regards to domestic issues, of course Karabagh
is a young republic, only 20 years old, and it still doesn't have a
state-building tradition. However, it already has a direction; it has
chosen the principles of democracy. We are moving ahead with those
principles. The government is being shaped by the will of the people,
expressed through elections. The most fundamental achievement is our
steadfast and firm march towards state-building. We have many domestic
issues, social problems, and problems with infrastructure. After
the Soviet years, and the devastation of the war, we have inherited
a tattered economy, and we face the challenge of reviving that
economy-in fact, not only reviving it, but bringing it up to step
with the scientific and technological developments of the day. Solving
these problems requires large financial resources. We are moving ahead
step by step. Every year new construction projects are completed,
but we still have a long way to go. We consider the development of
our economy as the most important issue of the day, as it will also
provide a way for us to solve other problems.
Regionally, little has been accomplished. There is no political
progress with Azerbaijan, although negotiations are ongoing.
Azerbaijan is not ready for a compromise. And as far as we are
concerned, one-sided compromises will never happen. That is why
the status quo has been maintained by force until today. Of course,
ceasefire violations continue. When faced with gunfire from the Azeri
side, we respond. Broadly speaking, however, peace has reigned for
some years now, and I am convinced that this will continue.
N.B.-Despite Aliyev's jingoistic language and the increase in the
government's weapons procurement?
A.H.-Yes, despite all that. We know that Aliyev's announcements are
first and foremost for internal consumption. The Azeri leadership and
the international community realize full well the devastation that
could be caused by renewed conflict in the region, as well as the
unpredictable consequences of the resumption of hostilities, which is
why I am convinced that we won't have another war. As far as weapons
procurement is concerned, we are not falling behind. Armenia's and
Artsakh's defense armies are equipped with the required weapons and
ammunition to maintain the status quo. We never fall back. We just
don't talk as much about it. Our level of preparedness is in no way
less than that of the Azeri armed forces.
N.B.-Going back to the domestic issues, how is the state of the
villages in Karabagh? I have been told during my interviews here
that rural migration and urban drift, especially to Stepanakert,
are problems.
A.H.-I agree. That problem exists throughout the world, including
Karabagh, where the youth prefer life in the cities. However, measures
must be taken so that the youth stay-especially because those villages
are the embodiment of our fundamental achievements. They constitute the
first line of defense against a multitude of challenges. What are we
doing about this? We are trying to create a conducive environment for
the development of our rural economy...through increased construction
and modernization in rural areas, so that villages become more
self-sufficient.
N.B.-Talk about the budget allocations to different projects.
A.H.-Funds are invested in all sectors. We invest in infrastructure:
on building roads, schools, kindergartens, houses, and hospitals. We
are working in all directions, but unfortunately, we face serious
financial challenges.
N.B.-The Azeri government has launched an aggressive worldwide campaign
on the "Khojali genocide." What measures have been taken to counter
these efforts?
A.H.-Of course this issue concerns not only us, but also Armenia and
the diaspora. We need to struggle against this together. Lobbying
plays a central role in international diplomacy; we have our diaspora,
Azerbaijan has money. Various countries have interests in Azerbaijan.
If in the past we had the upper hand and broader reach through our
diaspora, then today Azerbaijan's financial resources have closed
the gap. Azeri resistance and political activism has become palpable
in different countries. First and foremost, we need to redouble the
efforts of the diaspora. Also, by joining forces, we need to produce
and disseminate information to counter Azeri propaganda. We absolutely
need to wage this struggle together. I am convinced that with every
passing year this struggle will only become harder, and we are going
to rely more heavily on political activism in the Armenian Diaspora.
N.B.-Turkey and Azerbaijan are also trying to harness their
diasporas...
A.H.-Yes, and not only their diasporas. Their wealth allows them to
buy support.
N.B.-It was recently reported in the news that Israel wishes to attack
Iran through Azerbaijan. What would that mean for Karabagh?
A.H.-Any war in this region will have a negative impact not only on
Karabagh, but the region as a whole. War is not desired. Instability
in the region-whether economic, social, or otherwise-is not desired.
The likelihood of such a scenario is slim. They all realize that Iran
is one of the more powerful states in the region. It has a large
army, and a guiding ideology. The issue needs to be solved through
negotiations. Iran is not an easy morsel to swallow. It is a few
thousand-year-old civilization, and it has always been one of those
countries that has a say, has an impact.
N.B.-What factors would influence a solution to the Karabagh issue?
A.H.-First and foremost it is dependent on the will of our people. Of
course, there are interests involved. Major powers are attempting to
formulate a solution to the Karabagh issue. But if their proposals are
not satisfactory to us, they won't get anywhere. Azerbaijani oil plays
a role. The Russian influence is also a factor. U.S. interests play a
part, as do Georgian-Azeri relations. And Iran. Ultimately, however,
the solution is dependent on our people, and the people of Azerbaijan.
Where we stand and what we envision are paramount.
N.B.-And what solution do you envision?
A.H.-The solution will very much resemble the current status quo.
That's how I envision it. However, time and a generational shift
are necessary for people to come to terms with the status quo, and
accept it.
N.B.-What about the recognition of NKR?
A.H.-Recognition will come, but it is not a matter of 5 or 10 years.
To accomplish it, we need to have a strong economy, a unified nation:
Armenian Diaspora, Armenia, and Karabagh. We all need to work toward
the recognition of Karabagh, and I am convinced that we will be
successful.