Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

Prosperous Armenia must decide if it is real opposition - Richard Gi

Collapse
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • Prosperous Armenia must decide if it is real opposition - Richard Gi

    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
Working...
X