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SELF-DETERMINATION NOT A MERE PHRASE, BUT AN IMPERATIVE PRINCIPLE OF ACTION, ARMENIAN PRESIDENT TELLS THE NEW YORK TIMES
15:02, 24 Oct 2014
In an interview with the New York Times Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan discussed the dynamic and vibrant young nation he leads, its
history, economy and international relations. As Armenia asserts itself
on the international stage and seeks to continue its development,
the president explains his country's identity and outlines the wide
range of opportunities that this investor-friendly nation presents
to the wider world
How would you appraise the relationship between Armenia and the
United States?
Relations with the USA comprise an important part of our foreign
policy agenda on both bilateral and multilateral dimensions.
Historical close interactions as well as the common ideas of
independence, democracy and freedom have contributed greatly to the
deepening and widening of the relations between the two nations. We
have reached a qualitatively new level
of partnership with the USA thanks to joint efforts. The continuous
assistance provided to Armenia and Artsakh has played and continues
to play an essential role in the democratization of the two Armenian
republics. Our interests coincide with those of the United States in
a variety of spheres: the establishment and enforcement of regional
security and stability and, within this context, the peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; the democratization of
our country; the liberalization of the economy and the rule of law.
>From this perspective we attach great importance to the open
government partnership (OGP) initiative in cooperation with the US
that Armenia is actively engaged in.
At the same time, within the framework of the "Millennium Challenges,"
the United States has made a substantial contribution to the regional
development of our country through the implementation of a number
of regional infrastructure projects. We attach great importance to
the activity of the US-Armenia Task Force, to the growing American
presence in the Armenian economy and to the close cooperation with the
USA in the energy sector, for example the support we have received
from the US to extend the life of the operating reactor of Metsamor
nuclear power plant. This is also important from the perspective of
balanced regional development. We firmly believe that the trade and
investment framework agreement (TIFA) signed between Armenia and the
United States will boost economic ties. Another essential achievement
is the launch of the visa liberalization process.
The United States is our largest donor state. Since Armenia's
independence, the United States has provided about US$2 billion of
humanitarian and technical assistance. Our two nations also cooperate
to fight challenges to global security, such as terrorism and the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
What issues does Armenia face today?
Armenia has been illegally blockaded by Turkey for decades. Our other
neighbor, Azerbaijan, demonstrates a hostile attitude toward Armenia
and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. For a long period of time we have
been living in "a no war, no peace" situation.
Armenophobia, militant rhetoric and armed provocations along the
border have become an inseparable part of our daily life for 20 years.
Today, the fragile peace in Nagorno-Karabakh is the lynchpin of
peace in our entire region, and we defend the very peace of the
region from the trespasses of our neighbor dictatorship, which is
blinded by petrodollars. In my opinion, our number one priority has
been and will remain the security of the Republic of Armenia and the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
Fragile peace is better than victorious war. The maintenance of
peace is our greatest achievement, and in the upcoming years we will
continue to prioritize security along with economic development,
the promotion of democracy, education and health.
We seek a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based
on international law, particularly on the arrangements achieved within
the framework of the format of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. To this
end we continue our active cooperation with the co-chair countries -
the USA, Russia and France.
I regret to say that so far we have not achieved tangible results
because of the maximalist and often provocative stance of Azerbaijan
at odds with both the spirit of the entire process and our joint
efforts with the international community.
What role can the Armenian-American diaspora play in the country's
development?
In the 21st century, public diplomacy plays a major role in the
development of bilateral relations. In this regard, Armenians
worldwide, many of whom are descendants of survivors of the Armenian
genocide, are an inalienable and important component of Armenian
public diplomacy. A vivid example thereof is the Armenian community
in the US. Indeed, the current level of Armenian-American relations
is also conditioned by this factor.
At the same time, this community contributes to the development and
prosperity of both the USA and Armenia. The Armenian-American community
regularly makes its voice heard in issues of pan-Armenian importance,
such as the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian genocide and the
lifting of blockades.
What support do you expect from the US in the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
As an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, the US has exerted consistent efforts
toward the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and the strengthening of stability in our region. Unfortunately,
the efforts made in the past 20 years by the international community
toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict are being undermined,
endangering the peace and stability in the region due to the constant
provocations and ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan.
I have announced on many occasions that there is no alternative to
the negotiated settlement of the conflict. A proof to this is the
constant willingness of Armenia to maintain dialogue in the framework
of the formats proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states,
as opposed to Azerbaijan. In this regard we attach great importance
to its continuous engagement and balanced position on the issue,
based upon the principles of international law and in line with the
co-chair statements.
Despite the fact that each conflict is unique in its historical,
legal and political context, recent dynamics of international
conflict resolution prove that fundamental human rights and freedoms,
including free expression of will and self-determination of peoples,
are a priority. In the words of former US President Woodrow Wilson:
"National aspirations must be respected; people may now be dominated
and governed only by their own consent.
'Self-determination' is not a mere phrase; it is an imperative
principle of action."
It is no coincidence that fundamental elements of the right to
self-determination are rooted in the formation and development of the
American nation. Today, we see that the right to self-determination is
the civilized and legal solution to current ethno-political conflicts.
2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. What would
you like the US public to understand about the event?
Even today, mankind still witnesses similar horrific crimes. History
will continue to repeat itself until the crimes of the past have been
unambiguously evaluated. Today, as a nation that survived genocide,
we feel obliged to a certain extent, since we carry a unique mission
to ensure no further recurrence of genocides. To this end, we seek
the recognition and condemnation of past crimes.
We believe that the whole of mankind should be consistent in the
recognition, condemnation and exclusion of denialism of this crime of
crimes. This is our message to the international community, including
the government and society of the United States, on the eve of the
centenary of the Armenian genocide.
The Armenian genocide is an indisputable fact, documented by the
international community when it provided refuge to the hundreds of
thousands of Armenians that fled the massacres carried out by the
Ottoman Empire.
Today, even educated circles of Turkish society have reconciled with
their own past, opposing the official denialist position of their
state. As human rights and fundamental freedoms have become of absolute
value for the international community, subordinating the recognition
of the Armenian genocide to political interests contradicts the moral
and legal norms of the current world order. The strength of the US
is also conditioned by its commitment to these absolute values.
The US legislative body has adopted eight decisions recognizing the
Armenian genocide. It has been officially recognized in 40 US States.
In the 1980s, the Reagan administration recognized and condemned the
Armenian genocide. Sooner or later, Turkey will have to come to terms
with its own past and free itself by restoring justice.
How can Armenia act as a bridge between the West and Russia as well
as the CIS countries?
Since its independence, Armenia's foreign policy has been balanced
between the different systems and interests of the powerful
stakeholders of the region, as opposed to drawing divisive lines.
While it is a member of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty
Organization), Armenia has simultaneously developed enhanced
cooperation with NATO and participates in peacekeeping missions which
contribute to international peace and security.
Our country has developed and continues to develop strategic
allied relations with the Russian Federation at the same time as
consistently promoting a European agenda. Today we remain committed
to that principle. Armenia has made a decision to join the Eurasian
Economic Union (EEU) taking into account our national, economic and
geopolitical interests. However, as I have stated in my speeches
and interviews on several occasions, this has not been done at the
expense of our relations with the West.
This is expressed through our active efforts to consistently advance
our relations with separate European countries and the EU as a whole,
as well as with the west in general; these relations form some of
the essential components of our country's prosperity. The Armenia-EU
joint declaration from November 2013 reaffirmed our mutual commitment
to develop and strengthen comprehensive cooperation.
We have agreed upon and applied visa facilitation mechanisms that are
among the tangible outcomes of our partnership. We are committed to
continuing our efforts toward seeking effective cooperation mechanisms
with the EU.
Thanks to EU and Western assistance, our country has carried out
important reforms in the spheres of democracy, human rights, rule of
law and liberalization of the economy. We clearly realize that these
reforms are not aimed at integration in this or that institution.
First of all, these reforms are carried out for the benefit of our
country and our people. I am sure that our Western partners share
this view and will continue their efficient support to the democratic
reforms in our country.
At the same time I cannot but mention that in the 21st century,
when intense globalization is in progress, when the world is moving
toward the establishment of common economic zones, when interstate
economic borders lose their importance, when free trade areas are
established among different continents, to speak about confrontation
between different integration structures makes no sense.
Through joining the EEU, Armenia will be able to become an important
link for the business communities of the EEU and Western countries. In
this context, we are concerned by the recent tensions between the
West and Russia.
We are interested in the reconciliation of discrepancies between our
partners because small countries like Armenia are very sensitive to
such ups and downs.
What is your government doing to challenge misperceptions about the
country and the region in general?
We have always presented the challenges to our country and to the
region to different organizations and at bilateral formats. The
international community itself has witnessed how the adventurism
of Azerbaijan has resulted in violence in the region, marking the
deadliest period in the conflict since the ceasefire took effect.
Everyone witnessed the "Twitter diplomacy" of Azerbaijan's president.
Years-long continuous threats at the highest level were transformed
into real actions, when civilian objects - kindergartens, schools,
hospitals, as well as the peaceful population- were under fire. Where
I see a misunderstanding by the international community is in the
equality accorded to both the aggressor and the victim of aggression.
For more than 20 years, Armenia has warned about the military
intentions of Azerbaijan, without proper response. This is either a
misunderstanding or indifference. We have constantly presented the
objective situation of our region to the international community;
the rest is up to the international community.
What gives you confidence about your country's future?
Independence itself was a significant event in the history of our
nation. Today, Armenians all over the world are provided with an
opportunity to build an independent Armenia on part of its historical
homeland - a centuries-old dream for our people. Today, Armenia is
a country developing according to the rules of the civilized world
through effective state building, an open society and a competitive
economy.
Mindful of this, I am really confident about the future of my
country and this confidence first of all stems from our wonderful
young generation. A new generation of Armenian citizens has grown
which is even more patriotic than my generation was and with more
educational opportunities. Along with being real devotees to their
country, they have been brought up as world citizens.
For the last four to five years, approximately 100 young Armenians
have graduated every year from the world's top ten universities. We
will therefore pass on our modern and secure country to safe hands
and I am confident that they will make it much more prosperous.
http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/10/24/self-determination-not-a-mere-phrase-but-an-imperative-principle-of-action-armenian-president-tells-the-new-york-times/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress
15:02, 24 Oct 2014
In an interview with the New York Times Armenian President Serzh
Sargsyan discussed the dynamic and vibrant young nation he leads, its
history, economy and international relations. As Armenia asserts itself
on the international stage and seeks to continue its development,
the president explains his country's identity and outlines the wide
range of opportunities that this investor-friendly nation presents
to the wider world
How would you appraise the relationship between Armenia and the
United States?
Relations with the USA comprise an important part of our foreign
policy agenda on both bilateral and multilateral dimensions.
Historical close interactions as well as the common ideas of
independence, democracy and freedom have contributed greatly to the
deepening and widening of the relations between the two nations. We
have reached a qualitatively new level
of partnership with the USA thanks to joint efforts. The continuous
assistance provided to Armenia and Artsakh has played and continues
to play an essential role in the democratization of the two Armenian
republics. Our interests coincide with those of the United States in
a variety of spheres: the establishment and enforcement of regional
security and stability and, within this context, the peaceful
settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict; the democratization of
our country; the liberalization of the economy and the rule of law.
>From this perspective we attach great importance to the open
government partnership (OGP) initiative in cooperation with the US
that Armenia is actively engaged in.
At the same time, within the framework of the "Millennium Challenges,"
the United States has made a substantial contribution to the regional
development of our country through the implementation of a number
of regional infrastructure projects. We attach great importance to
the activity of the US-Armenia Task Force, to the growing American
presence in the Armenian economy and to the close cooperation with the
USA in the energy sector, for example the support we have received
from the US to extend the life of the operating reactor of Metsamor
nuclear power plant. This is also important from the perspective of
balanced regional development. We firmly believe that the trade and
investment framework agreement (TIFA) signed between Armenia and the
United States will boost economic ties. Another essential achievement
is the launch of the visa liberalization process.
The United States is our largest donor state. Since Armenia's
independence, the United States has provided about US$2 billion of
humanitarian and technical assistance. Our two nations also cooperate
to fight challenges to global security, such as terrorism and the
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
What issues does Armenia face today?
Armenia has been illegally blockaded by Turkey for decades. Our other
neighbor, Azerbaijan, demonstrates a hostile attitude toward Armenia
and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. For a long period of time we have
been living in "a no war, no peace" situation.
Armenophobia, militant rhetoric and armed provocations along the
border have become an inseparable part of our daily life for 20 years.
Today, the fragile peace in Nagorno-Karabakh is the lynchpin of
peace in our entire region, and we defend the very peace of the
region from the trespasses of our neighbor dictatorship, which is
blinded by petrodollars. In my opinion, our number one priority has
been and will remain the security of the Republic of Armenia and the
Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.
Fragile peace is better than victorious war. The maintenance of
peace is our greatest achievement, and in the upcoming years we will
continue to prioritize security along with economic development,
the promotion of democracy, education and health.
We seek a peaceful settlement to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict based
on international law, particularly on the arrangements achieved within
the framework of the format of OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. To this
end we continue our active cooperation with the co-chair countries -
the USA, Russia and France.
I regret to say that so far we have not achieved tangible results
because of the maximalist and often provocative stance of Azerbaijan
at odds with both the spirit of the entire process and our joint
efforts with the international community.
What role can the Armenian-American diaspora play in the country's
development?
In the 21st century, public diplomacy plays a major role in the
development of bilateral relations. In this regard, Armenians
worldwide, many of whom are descendants of survivors of the Armenian
genocide, are an inalienable and important component of Armenian
public diplomacy. A vivid example thereof is the Armenian community
in the US. Indeed, the current level of Armenian-American relations
is also conditioned by this factor.
At the same time, this community contributes to the development and
prosperity of both the USA and Armenia. The Armenian-American community
regularly makes its voice heard in issues of pan-Armenian importance,
such as the peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict,
the recognition and condemnation of the Armenian genocide and the
lifting of blockades.
What support do you expect from the US in the settlement of the
Nagorno-Karabakh conflict?
As an OSCE Minsk Group co-chair, the US has exerted consistent efforts
toward the peaceful resolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
and the strengthening of stability in our region. Unfortunately,
the efforts made in the past 20 years by the international community
toward the peaceful resolution of the conflict are being undermined,
endangering the peace and stability in the region due to the constant
provocations and ceasefire violations by Azerbaijan.
I have announced on many occasions that there is no alternative to
the negotiated settlement of the conflict. A proof to this is the
constant willingness of Armenia to maintain dialogue in the framework
of the formats proposed by the OSCE Minsk Group co-chair states,
as opposed to Azerbaijan. In this regard we attach great importance
to its continuous engagement and balanced position on the issue,
based upon the principles of international law and in line with the
co-chair statements.
Despite the fact that each conflict is unique in its historical,
legal and political context, recent dynamics of international
conflict resolution prove that fundamental human rights and freedoms,
including free expression of will and self-determination of peoples,
are a priority. In the words of former US President Woodrow Wilson:
"National aspirations must be respected; people may now be dominated
and governed only by their own consent.
'Self-determination' is not a mere phrase; it is an imperative
principle of action."
It is no coincidence that fundamental elements of the right to
self-determination are rooted in the formation and development of the
American nation. Today, we see that the right to self-determination is
the civilized and legal solution to current ethno-political conflicts.
2015 marks the 100th anniversary of the Armenian genocide. What would
you like the US public to understand about the event?
Even today, mankind still witnesses similar horrific crimes. History
will continue to repeat itself until the crimes of the past have been
unambiguously evaluated. Today, as a nation that survived genocide,
we feel obliged to a certain extent, since we carry a unique mission
to ensure no further recurrence of genocides. To this end, we seek
the recognition and condemnation of past crimes.
We believe that the whole of mankind should be consistent in the
recognition, condemnation and exclusion of denialism of this crime of
crimes. This is our message to the international community, including
the government and society of the United States, on the eve of the
centenary of the Armenian genocide.
The Armenian genocide is an indisputable fact, documented by the
international community when it provided refuge to the hundreds of
thousands of Armenians that fled the massacres carried out by the
Ottoman Empire.
Today, even educated circles of Turkish society have reconciled with
their own past, opposing the official denialist position of their
state. As human rights and fundamental freedoms have become of absolute
value for the international community, subordinating the recognition
of the Armenian genocide to political interests contradicts the moral
and legal norms of the current world order. The strength of the US
is also conditioned by its commitment to these absolute values.
The US legislative body has adopted eight decisions recognizing the
Armenian genocide. It has been officially recognized in 40 US States.
In the 1980s, the Reagan administration recognized and condemned the
Armenian genocide. Sooner or later, Turkey will have to come to terms
with its own past and free itself by restoring justice.
How can Armenia act as a bridge between the West and Russia as well
as the CIS countries?
Since its independence, Armenia's foreign policy has been balanced
between the different systems and interests of the powerful
stakeholders of the region, as opposed to drawing divisive lines.
While it is a member of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty
Organization), Armenia has simultaneously developed enhanced
cooperation with NATO and participates in peacekeeping missions which
contribute to international peace and security.
Our country has developed and continues to develop strategic
allied relations with the Russian Federation at the same time as
consistently promoting a European agenda. Today we remain committed
to that principle. Armenia has made a decision to join the Eurasian
Economic Union (EEU) taking into account our national, economic and
geopolitical interests. However, as I have stated in my speeches
and interviews on several occasions, this has not been done at the
expense of our relations with the West.
This is expressed through our active efforts to consistently advance
our relations with separate European countries and the EU as a whole,
as well as with the west in general; these relations form some of
the essential components of our country's prosperity. The Armenia-EU
joint declaration from November 2013 reaffirmed our mutual commitment
to develop and strengthen comprehensive cooperation.
We have agreed upon and applied visa facilitation mechanisms that are
among the tangible outcomes of our partnership. We are committed to
continuing our efforts toward seeking effective cooperation mechanisms
with the EU.
Thanks to EU and Western assistance, our country has carried out
important reforms in the spheres of democracy, human rights, rule of
law and liberalization of the economy. We clearly realize that these
reforms are not aimed at integration in this or that institution.
First of all, these reforms are carried out for the benefit of our
country and our people. I am sure that our Western partners share
this view and will continue their efficient support to the democratic
reforms in our country.
At the same time I cannot but mention that in the 21st century,
when intense globalization is in progress, when the world is moving
toward the establishment of common economic zones, when interstate
economic borders lose their importance, when free trade areas are
established among different continents, to speak about confrontation
between different integration structures makes no sense.
Through joining the EEU, Armenia will be able to become an important
link for the business communities of the EEU and Western countries. In
this context, we are concerned by the recent tensions between the
West and Russia.
We are interested in the reconciliation of discrepancies between our
partners because small countries like Armenia are very sensitive to
such ups and downs.
What is your government doing to challenge misperceptions about the
country and the region in general?
We have always presented the challenges to our country and to the
region to different organizations and at bilateral formats. The
international community itself has witnessed how the adventurism
of Azerbaijan has resulted in violence in the region, marking the
deadliest period in the conflict since the ceasefire took effect.
Everyone witnessed the "Twitter diplomacy" of Azerbaijan's president.
Years-long continuous threats at the highest level were transformed
into real actions, when civilian objects - kindergartens, schools,
hospitals, as well as the peaceful population- were under fire. Where
I see a misunderstanding by the international community is in the
equality accorded to both the aggressor and the victim of aggression.
For more than 20 years, Armenia has warned about the military
intentions of Azerbaijan, without proper response. This is either a
misunderstanding or indifference. We have constantly presented the
objective situation of our region to the international community;
the rest is up to the international community.
What gives you confidence about your country's future?
Independence itself was a significant event in the history of our
nation. Today, Armenians all over the world are provided with an
opportunity to build an independent Armenia on part of its historical
homeland - a centuries-old dream for our people. Today, Armenia is
a country developing according to the rules of the civilized world
through effective state building, an open society and a competitive
economy.
Mindful of this, I am really confident about the future of my
country and this confidence first of all stems from our wonderful
young generation. A new generation of Armenian citizens has grown
which is even more patriotic than my generation was and with more
educational opportunities. Along with being real devotees to their
country, they have been brought up as world citizens.
For the last four to five years, approximately 100 young Armenians
have graduated every year from the world's top ten universities. We
will therefore pass on our modern and secure country to safe hands
and I am confident that they will make it much more prosperous.
http://www.armradio.am/en/2014/10/24/self-determination-not-a-mere-phrase-but-an-imperative-principle-of-action-armenian-president-tells-the-new-york-times/
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress