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Accomplishments And Missed Opportunities: Panel Assesses Independenc

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  • Accomplishments And Missed Opportunities: Panel Assesses Independenc

    ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND MISSED OPPORTUNITIES: PANEL ASSESSES INDEPENDENCE IN ARMENIA

    Armenian Weekly
    Thu, Sep 29 2011

    YEREVAN (A.W.)-The Civilitas Foundation hosted a public forum called
    "Assessing Independence in Armenia and the Region" at Ani Hotel in
    Yerevan on Sept. 27 to explore Armenia's accomplishments, missed
    opportunities, and regional and international relations.

    (L to R) Ghazarian, Schmidt, and Evans.

    Part of a series of forums to promote dialogue about democracy and
    development in Armenia, the panelists were John Marshall Evans,
    former U.S. Ambassador to Armenia, and Hans-Jochen Schmidt, current
    Ambassador from Germany to Armenia. The conversation was moderated by
    Salpi Ghazarian, Director of Civilitas, and former Special Assistant
    to Vartan Oskanian inArmenia's Foreign Ministry.

    Ghazarian began the Forum by asking panelists whetherArmeniahas met
    the high expectations of the world during the past 20 years. "People
    ask me whyArmeniaisn't doing as well asEstonia," remarked German
    Ambassador Schmidt. "Armeniafaced lots of challenges at the beginning.

    There was the conflict withAzerbaijan, economic issues, and the first
    wave of migration." He urged people to not underestimate the successes
    and said the country has excellent experts in government, though he
    stated that the Central Bank is the only institution inArmeniathat
    pays adequate salaries.

    Evans, who left his post as ambassador five years ago this month,
    noted the importance of looking at the past 20 years against trends in
    the world, including the end of the Soviet Union, the rise of internet
    and globalization, and advancements in democracy and for women.

    "Armenians are already globalized," Evans said, "a good foundation
    was laid during this time, but it's not perfect."

    When asked by Ghazarian whether other decisions could have been made
    during that time, Ambassador Schmidt noted that former president Levon
    Ter-Petrossian should recognize that he is responsible for how it
    is today. With regard to European relations, Schmidt said that, "You
    have to live up to challenges if you want to be part of European Union.

    That means creating a competitive environment and good investment
    climate, improving customs, and addressing corruption. We'll be
    watching the next elections closely."

    Evans stated that theU.S.is still arguing about its constitution 230
    years after its creation. He continued to say that, "What's great
    about elections when they're perceived as fair is that they confer
    legitimacy. Democracy is a work in progress. No democracy emerges
    as a fully formed democracy. In the five years I've been away, I see
    great improvements, mainly in the capital, because I haven't visited
    the countryside. But there are clearly shortcomings."

    The U.S.has invested inArmenia's development since its independence
    from theSoviet Union. When asked what efforts have worked, Evans noted
    the U.S.-funded vouchers for those dislocated in the earthquake zone
    proved to be a good model for generating the local housing industry.

    Additionally, he stated the United States Department of Agriculture's
    work in the countryside with goat husbandry, slaughterhouses, and
    developing wine production consistency was particularly successful.

    Unfortunately, Evans said, "The Millennium Challenge ended [this
    month] becauseArmeniais falling behind on ruling justly. TheU.S.has
    showed much, maybe too much, tolerance, hoping [the situation] would
    improve." According to the Millennium Challenge Account - Armenia
    website, the program was intended to refurbish major sections of the
    country's main canal systems, modernize pumping stations, introduce
    new gravity irrigation schemes, re-build tertiary canals and restore
    sections of the Ararat Valley Drainage system. Evans acknowledged
    that the project's cancellation has been widely criticized.

    As relates to the region, Ghazarian asked whether theSouth Caucasusis
    considered a region or three separate countries. "Everyone sees it
    as a potential region. It's a troubled region, but if the problems
    can be overcome, there's tremendous potential," Evans said, adding
    thatArmeniashould not lose sight of relevant changes in theMiddle
    EastandTurkey.

    Ghazarian notedGermany's close relationship with neighboringGeorgiaand
    asked whether that is a topic discussed. The Ambassador responded that
    they have made efforts to promote regional cooperation, but have not
    been able to promote economic cooperation. Additionally, "Armeniais
    excluded from energy cooperation. I am concerned thatArmeniawill fall
    more and more behind. It will be detrimental toArmenia. Opening the
    border withTurkeywould help economy."

    In response, Ghazarian stated, "We've given all we have to give. We
    want the border open." Asked whether theU.S.can encourageTurkeyto open
    the border and place the blame onArmeniato appeaseBaku, Evans stated,
    "This is a problem of post-Soviet era. They'd just send the problem
    toMoscowbefore. There weren't institutions of problem solving here.

    The Minsk Group will not impose a solution andAmericacan't
    tellTurkeywhat to do." He went on to argue that the first step should
    be diplomatic relations withTurkey. "No one is doing anyone a favor
    by having diplomatic relations - it doesn't mean friendly. TheU.S.had
    diplomatic relations with Stalinist Russia with the goal of defeating
    Hitler.GreeceandTurkeyhave full diplomatic relations despite ongoing
    border issues."

    In response to patriotic comments from an audience member, who
    was three years of age whenArmeniacelebrated its independence from
    theSoviet Union, Evans noted that this may be the age of the small
    state, calling outSingaporeas an example of a special environment. He
    continued to say, "You're the independence generation. You've grown
    up with the internet. You are creating new ways of doing things."

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