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Prosperous Armenia must decide if it is real opposition - Richard Giragosian
12:18 * 02.03.14
In response to a question about the lessons Armenia has drawn from
'March 1," Richard Giragosian, Founding Director of the Regional
Studies Center (RSC), says that Armenia's authorities can draw
numerous lessons.
According to him, the authorities must realize the fact that ignoring
society's demand for reforms is most dangerous.
As regards the opposition, it needs a change. Life has shown that
old-style opposition is in the past, and people need changes. So the
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) must take concrete steps.
Mr Giragosian, what lessons have the authorities drawn from 'March 1'?
There are many, but the main point is whether we have learned the
lessons. This lesson must be most important for the government - that
ignoring society's demand for reforms is most dangerous. As regards
the opposition, the lesson is that it needs a change. Life has shown
that old-style opposition is in the past, and people need changes. It
is a challenge not only to the authorities, but also to the
opposition. It needs to change its tactics and needs to develop a
relevant strategy. As regards 'March 1', it is a black spot in
Armenia's history. Unfortunately, consequences have followed.
Do you think the authorities are aware of the need for changes? And
will they resort to reforms?
Yes, and so-called reforms are being actually carried out. But they
are either in the wrong directions or too slow. That is, my speaking
of reforms and "changes" is in a negative sense as well. For example,
the Customs Union.
The Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), which once was part of the ruling
coalition, is now raising the issue of solving the March 1 crimes. PAP
members in Armenia's Parliament even noted with sarcasm that Robert
Kocharyan might come to Freedom Square and demand solution of the
crimes.
Robert Kocharyan is primarily responsible for the March 1 events. At
the same time, the system interests are to blame as well. But
Prosperous Armenia should do much more to be taken more seriously.
What concrete steps does it have to make?
They have to finally decide whether they become real opposition or
take the authorities' side again.
Levon Ter-Petrosyan said that Gagik Tsarukyan was not at all inferior
to Bidzina Ivanishvili. Is the Georgian scenario possible? But what
about the rumors that Robert Kocharyan is behind the Prosperous
Armenia Party?
Yes, and it is a threat.
Is Armenian Maidan possible?
Ukraine is much different from Armenia, but we can draw lessons.
Ukrainian citizens rose and struggled for their rights and for
independence. We can see it in Armenia as well, but it is only the
start. It must have an end.
Will Russia take a softer line on Armenia after the Ukraine developments?
The Armenian authorities' main problem is that they are too serious
about what Moscow thinks and what it may do in different
circumstances. We must make decisions in Armenia's interests.
The premier tried to explain in four points why an Armenian Maidan was
impossible. Specifically, he said, because our people is not against
Russia or the Customs Union.
I do not listen to Armenia's premier at all, especially after his
decision in favor of the Customs Union following his activities.
Armenian News - Tert.am
From: A. Papazian
12:18 * 02.03.14
In response to a question about the lessons Armenia has drawn from
'March 1," Richard Giragosian, Founding Director of the Regional
Studies Center (RSC), says that Armenia's authorities can draw
numerous lessons.
According to him, the authorities must realize the fact that ignoring
society's demand for reforms is most dangerous.
As regards the opposition, it needs a change. Life has shown that
old-style opposition is in the past, and people need changes. So the
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) must take concrete steps.
Mr Giragosian, what lessons have the authorities drawn from 'March 1'?
There are many, but the main point is whether we have learned the
lessons. This lesson must be most important for the government - that
ignoring society's demand for reforms is most dangerous. As regards
the opposition, the lesson is that it needs a change. Life has shown
that old-style opposition is in the past, and people need changes. It
is a challenge not only to the authorities, but also to the
opposition. It needs to change its tactics and needs to develop a
relevant strategy. As regards 'March 1', it is a black spot in
Armenia's history. Unfortunately, consequences have followed.
Do you think the authorities are aware of the need for changes? And
will they resort to reforms?
Yes, and so-called reforms are being actually carried out. But they
are either in the wrong directions or too slow. That is, my speaking
of reforms and "changes" is in a negative sense as well. For example,
the Customs Union.
The Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), which once was part of the ruling
coalition, is now raising the issue of solving the March 1 crimes. PAP
members in Armenia's Parliament even noted with sarcasm that Robert
Kocharyan might come to Freedom Square and demand solution of the
crimes.
Robert Kocharyan is primarily responsible for the March 1 events. At
the same time, the system interests are to blame as well. But
Prosperous Armenia should do much more to be taken more seriously.
What concrete steps does it have to make?
They have to finally decide whether they become real opposition or
take the authorities' side again.
Levon Ter-Petrosyan said that Gagik Tsarukyan was not at all inferior
to Bidzina Ivanishvili. Is the Georgian scenario possible? But what
about the rumors that Robert Kocharyan is behind the Prosperous
Armenia Party?
Yes, and it is a threat.
Is Armenian Maidan possible?
Ukraine is much different from Armenia, but we can draw lessons.
Ukrainian citizens rose and struggled for their rights and for
independence. We can see it in Armenia as well, but it is only the
start. It must have an end.
Will Russia take a softer line on Armenia after the Ukraine developments?
The Armenian authorities' main problem is that they are too serious
about what Moscow thinks and what it may do in different
circumstances. We must make decisions in Armenia's interests.
The premier tried to explain in four points why an Armenian Maidan was
impossible. Specifically, he said, because our people is not against
Russia or the Customs Union.
I do not listen to Armenia's premier at all, especially after his
decision in favor of the Customs Union following his activities.
Armenian News - Tert.am
From: A. Papazian