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Two Congresses, Two Messages: Sargsyan, Tsarukyan Speak On Problems

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  • Two Congresses, Two Messages: Sargsyan, Tsarukyan Speak On Problems

    TWO CONGRESSES, TWO MESSAGES: SARGSYAN, TSARUKYAN SPEAK ON PROBLEMS FACING ARMENIA

    http://armenianow.com/commentary/analysis/52041/armenia_president_serzh_sargsyan_convention_gagik_ tsarukyan
    ANALYSIS | 17.02.14 | 09:38

    By NAIRA HAYRUMYAN
    ArmeniaNow correspondent

    On Saturday, February 15, Yerevan saw two congresses - the gathering
    of the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) and that of the Yerkrapah Union
    of Volunteers. Speaking at these congresses, President Serzh Sarkisian
    and PAP leader Gagik Tsarukyan held a remote debate on issues crucial
    for the country.

    Sargsyan tried to answer questions being raised in society and in
    parliament that relate to domestic issues - out-migration, economic
    policy, the mandatory accumulation pension system, and foreign policy,
    in particular, the benefits from Armenia's joining the Russian-led
    Customs Union.

    Tsarukyan in his speech, in fact, accused the government of stifling
    small and medium businesses, of tax terror that leads to emigration
    and the flight of capital. He said he could invite wealthy Diaspora
    Armenians to Armenia, but he cannot give them guarantees.

    Sargsyan in his speech did not give such guarantees. Speaking about
    emigration, he said that the problem concerned him as well, but the
    numbers are not as scary as to talk about them in tears. He said
    that about 31,000 people annually leave Armenia for good, but he
    did not cite figures on how many people have to travel abroad for
    seasonal work.

    At the same time, Sargsyan spoke about major projects, particularly
    in the mining and fish-breeding industries that he said will provide
    jobs. At the same time, he said that the mandatory component of the
    new pension law will also tie citizens to their country.

    Both Tsarukyan and Sargsyan spoke about trust. Sargsyan stated that
    "in front of us we have an old enemy - disappointment and disbelief,
    the underestimation of our forces, the inability to see the light at
    the end of the tunnel." The government has begun a series of major
    reforms that are designed to reduce uncertainty, said Sargsyan,
    adding that these reforms need confidence in the future of the state.

    The PAP has answered with an intention to initiative a process of
    passing a vote of no-confidence in the government. "On our today's
    agenda is the question of confidence in the government, and four
    non-coalitional forces may come to agreement on this issue," said
    member of the PAP Political Council Vartan Oskanian. "Issues related
    to the accumulation pension system, gas prices, the quality of life
    and emigration - all this concerns the work of the government. But
    we do not rule out anything. We know who the main responsible is,
    and we will take an appropriate decision when time is appropriate,"
    said Oskanian.

    Both politicians have called for consolidation, but Sargsyan spoke
    mostly about intergenerational solidarity, asking veterans to help.

    And PAP stated about openness for cooperation with other political
    parties. "Those who do not understand that in order to address the
    problems and challenges Armenia needs a broad social and political
    consensus do not just realize the gravity of these problems," said
    Tsarukyan. Extra-parliamentary forces and, most importantly, the
    society, must join us, he said.

    Prosperous Armenia suggests that all political forces, active social
    circles together draw a joint political, social and economic agenda
    and roadmap.

    At the same time, on the eve of the Congress, during a meeting at the
    Ministry of Urban Development, President Sargsyan, in fact, marked
    the opponents of his police. "Some TV channels, print newspapers,
    several dozen websites, four parliamentary factions, a large number
    of non-parliamentary parties, dozens of politicians who are partly
    dismayed at the power, from morning till evening vilify and demonize
    the events taking place in the country and our work," said Sargsyan.

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