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What Prevents Ivanishvili From Pursuing a Pro-Armenian Policy?
http://www.aravot.am/en/2013/01/18/150893/
JANUARY 18, 2013 11:34
`We can see that Ivanishvili has good wishes of normalizing the
Armenia-Georgia relations, solving hard issues. We can also see honest
wishes to compromise on the main issues concerning Armenian Georgians
and Javakhk Armenians,' Vahe Sargsyan, a PhD in history and an expert
of Mitk (idea), an analytical center, expressed this opinion on the
future developments in the Armenia-Georgia relations. However, he
noted at the same time that there were some obstacles to putting
Ivanishvili's good wishes into practice. He stated: `One of the
negative factors is that he is related and dependent on the Georgian
Orthodox Church. It is no secret that the assimilation of Armenian
cultural heritage, intolerance toward Armenians of Georgia, the change
in Javakhk's demography in favor of Georgians and a set of other
negative phenomena are orchestrated by the Orthodox Church. If we take
into account that the church is an absolute authority for Georgian
society, we must say that Ivanishvili's task will be a very hard one.
And if he has honest wishes, difficult times await him.'
According to V. Sargsyan, one of the positive factors is
`Ivanishvili's wish to normalize relations with the Russian
Federation. They have to normalize those relations whether they like
it or not. One of the reasons for that is the issue of poverty in the
country. It is no secret that closing the Russian market is to blame
for poverty. Therefore, Ivanishvili must normalize economic relations
with the Russian Federation. Armenia's interest, the Armenian factor
can play a big role here.'
In response to our question what policy the Republic of Armenia should
pursue, in order to be able to benefit from this relatively favorable
situation, Mr. Sargsyan said: `To make definite demands, to take a
definite position on which the relations with Georgia should be based.
For example, the Turkish and Azeri investments in communications of
Georgia are a direct threat to our country's security. If Georgia
wants to restore good-neighborly relations with Armenia, it has to
take into account that very factor. And opening the Abkhazian railway
will help, since in a sense it may be a counterbalance. The next
factor is Armenians of Georgia. We have more than 150 000 native
Armenians in Javakhk who can play a big role in preventing Georgia's
anti-Armenian policy.'
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
http://www.aravot.am/en/2013/01/18/150893/
JANUARY 18, 2013 11:34
`We can see that Ivanishvili has good wishes of normalizing the
Armenia-Georgia relations, solving hard issues. We can also see honest
wishes to compromise on the main issues concerning Armenian Georgians
and Javakhk Armenians,' Vahe Sargsyan, a PhD in history and an expert
of Mitk (idea), an analytical center, expressed this opinion on the
future developments in the Armenia-Georgia relations. However, he
noted at the same time that there were some obstacles to putting
Ivanishvili's good wishes into practice. He stated: `One of the
negative factors is that he is related and dependent on the Georgian
Orthodox Church. It is no secret that the assimilation of Armenian
cultural heritage, intolerance toward Armenians of Georgia, the change
in Javakhk's demography in favor of Georgians and a set of other
negative phenomena are orchestrated by the Orthodox Church. If we take
into account that the church is an absolute authority for Georgian
society, we must say that Ivanishvili's task will be a very hard one.
And if he has honest wishes, difficult times await him.'
According to V. Sargsyan, one of the positive factors is
`Ivanishvili's wish to normalize relations with the Russian
Federation. They have to normalize those relations whether they like
it or not. One of the reasons for that is the issue of poverty in the
country. It is no secret that closing the Russian market is to blame
for poverty. Therefore, Ivanishvili must normalize economic relations
with the Russian Federation. Armenia's interest, the Armenian factor
can play a big role here.'
In response to our question what policy the Republic of Armenia should
pursue, in order to be able to benefit from this relatively favorable
situation, Mr. Sargsyan said: `To make definite demands, to take a
definite position on which the relations with Georgia should be based.
For example, the Turkish and Azeri investments in communications of
Georgia are a direct threat to our country's security. If Georgia
wants to restore good-neighborly relations with Armenia, it has to
take into account that very factor. And opening the Abkhazian railway
will help, since in a sense it may be a counterbalance. The next
factor is Armenians of Georgia. We have more than 150 000 native
Armenians in Javakhk who can play a big role in preventing Georgia's
anti-Armenian policy.'
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN