Tankian to Sarkisian: Don’t Use Security to Distract Us from Domestic Injustices

A day after President Sarkisian responded to his letter, artist and human rights activist Serj Tankian has, in turn, responded to Sarkisian, urging him to not use notions of security to distract people from injustices taking place inside Armenia. Below is Tankian’s second letter.

Serj Tankian (Photo by Khatchig Mouradian, The Armenian Weekly)
Serj Tankian (Photo by Khatchig Mouradian, The Armenian Weekly)

***

Dear Mr. President,

I am honored that you have responded to my letter.

I actually wasn’t expecting a response, given the harsh criticism I conveyed.

The fact that you have done so is encouraging.

But with respect, you have not answered any of my questions nor addressed any of the issues I brought up in my letter directly.

I think you have done a great job at securing Armenia’s borders and dealing with the extremely sensitive and difficult situation presented by the realities after the Karabakh war.

If you remember, I told you that in person and commended your efforts in that regard.

That said, security cannot be the scapegoat to diffuse attention from the inequities and injustices in our homeland.

Republicans in the U.S. have done that for too many elections and no one seems to buy it anymore.

I, too, feel responsible to future generations for what we leave behind.

That is the reason for my speaking out, getting involved with mining and environmental abuse in Armenia (Teghut) and encouraging further farm subsidies to render our nation more self sufficient.

Citizens across Armenia are protesting the outcome of the elections and the injustice inherent in the political establishment. Please listen to their complaints.

Listen to the striking students and don’t let the schools or police shut out their voices from our democracy. They are the future of Armenia after all.

Corruption, injustice, emigration, lawlessness and falsified elections. These ills have emptied our country of its citizens more than mines and bombs.

What are you going to do about them?

Are you going to reform the system?

Dear Mr. President, please institute the rule of law once and for all so that people feel respected in the eyes of the law and the courts. The constitution and the laws of Armenia are fine. It is their execution that is lacking. We are all tired of hearing about investors turned away, robbed of their investments in Armenia, political pressure used for personal gain, media manipulation and consolidation for political means, injustice in the courts, and on and on.

Most people feel that it will take a generational change to alter the political culture in Armenia, to rid ourselves of the overt corruption and abuse.

You can make that happen now!

In your letter you have recognized the need for that change and seem to suggest that you are willing to take substantive steps in that regard so that we don’t have to wait another 20 years for us to arrive to true freedom.

For that, your people will be eternally grateful Serzh.

An equitable nation is a strong nation, where people are not only proud of their history, but also proud of their present.

I agree that we should all work together toward a better future for Armenia.

I appreciate the warm wishes to my father. I too, send my regards and love to your family and hope to meet your grandson Serj sometime.

Peace,
Serj Tankian

39 Comments

  1. Շնորհակալութիւն կը յայտնեմ Սերժ Թանգեանին, որ իր անուանակից ին կը յայտնէ ողջ ճշմարտութիւնը, մինչ վերջինիս հայրենաբնակ թէ սփիւռքահայ մերձաւորները, ներառեալ, ցաւօք, Արամ Ա. կաթողիկոսն ու Շարլ Ազնաւուրը, չես գիտեր ինչու, կը վաւերացնեն Ս. Ս.ի , այդպիսով վաւերացնելով երկրին մէջ տիրող աղաղակող անարդարութիւնները:
    Ս. Ս.ը Թանգեանին իր պատասխանով անգամ մը եւս ապացուցեց, որ հայրենաճանաչ չէ: Կը յիշէ?ք, թէ ժամանակին ան յայտարարեց. , որմէ քանի մը շաբաթ ետք այդ քաղաքին մերձակայքը յայտնաբերուեցան արցախեան Տիգրանակերտի աւերակները: Իսկ Թանգեանին պատասխանին մէջ Ս. Ս.ը կը գրէ հայոց կերտելու մասին: Ողբամ զքեզ, հայ ժողովուրդ, որ քու հայրենական պետութեանդ ղեկավարը չի գիտեր այն պարզ ճշմարտութիւնը, թէ հայոց հայրենիքը յաւերժական է, ուստի չի կրնար հայոց նոր հայրենիք կերտուիլ: Այս պարոնը անգամ մը եւս կը շփոթէ ու կարեւորագոյն հասկացութիւնները, ինչպէս մշտապէս կը շփոթէ պետութիւնն ու … իր անձը: Խորհուրդ կու տայի Ս. Ս.ին, որ կարդար Հանրապետական կուսակցութեան մէջ իր տեղակալներէն Մուշեղ Լալայեանի գրութիւնները հայոց յաւերժական հայրենիքի գաղափարին մասին: Ս. Ս.ի այս արտայայտութիւնը ապացոյց է նաեւ այն բանի, որ Հանրապետական կուսակցութիւնը կառոյց մըն է, իսկ Մուշեղ Լալայեանը հայ ազգային գաղափարախօսութիւնն ու նժդեհականութիւնը այս կուսակցութեան քօղին տակ ծածկուած ամէն բնոյթի ստահակներուն շնորհելով իբրեւ անոնց մարդկային հոգեւոր-բարոյական մերկութեան թուզի տերեւ, հիմնովին վարկաբեկեց այդ հիասքանճ գաղափարախօսութիւնը:
    Ս. Ս.ի մեկնելու ժամանակն է: Լեւոն Տէր Պետրոսեանը մեկնելու ատեն գոնէ ըսաւ. : Ս. Ս.ը նման բան ըսելու քաջութիւն եւ առաքինութիւն պիտի ունենա?յ: Չեմ կարծեր:
    Նոր Մարտի 1-ը չէ: Սակայն, այս անգամ, արդիւնքը վստահաբար տարբեր պիտի ըլլայ:

    Գէորգ Եազըճեան
    27 Փետրուար 2013, Երեւան

  2. This guy (Tankian) is a genius. He is hitting the nail right on the head, and he is totally exposing what an idiot Sarkisian is. Great job, Tankian, we need more Armenians, including more Diasporans, to slap the self-proclaimed “president” with the reality.

  3. He has no answers to your pivotal questions regarding the rampant corruption,injustices,fraud,net result is that we have a deficit of 70000 people per every year for the past 5 years, who have left our country,these are official figures who have been totally disillusioned with what is going in Armenia in in the hands of these corrupt crooks.

    The root cause of all this evil is corrupt serzh and HIS ruling RPA party which rules supreme in all fields of life in Armenia,you cant breath unless you have permission from these thugs.

    A very sad and desperate situation.

  4. Syndrome of awkwardness, is a curable one. Serj Tankian seems to have understood it and seems to be somehow on the right track…
    However he keeps falling into populism, borrowed before him by Raffi Hovanessian.
    Serj, please continue to make good songs.
    Don’t let others use us and abuse you. It is not like you to be a populist demagogue.
    Diaspora’s main struggle is elsewhere…

    • Pat: If Diaspora’s main struggle is elsewhere (where? are we not one people with similar concerns about the future of our nation), then advise your beloved RoA government not to touch on anything related to the Armenian genocide whose victims’ descendants the Diaspora are. Serj Sargsyan has no right to do or say anything on behalf of the whole nation when it comes to signing of the defeatist Turkish-Armenian protocols or parroting what the president of the third country has said about medz yeghern in that it internationally bears the same meaning as genocide. Sounds fair?

  5. the following comment was taken from Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Armenia

    “In October 2009, when visiting Yerevan, the World Bank’s managing director, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, warned that Armenia will not reach a higher level of development unless its leadership changes the “oligopolistic” structure of the national economy, bolsters the rule of law and shows “zero tolerance” towards corruption.[14] “I think you can only go so far with this economic model,” Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala told a news conference in Yerevan. “Armenia is a lower middle-income country. If it wants to become a high-income or upper middle-income country, it can not do so with this kind of economic structure. That is clear.” She also called for a sweeping reform of tax and customs administration, the creation of a “strong and independent judicial system” as well as a tough fight against government corruption.[14] The warning was echoed by the International Monetary Fund.[15]”

    Click on this site for a list of monopolies in Armenia.

    It is highly unlikely that anything Tankian writes will be effective, when it seems that even The World Bank’s managing director is ignored.

    • Yes Pat, please explain to us why you want everyone to ignore the level of corruption and the oligarch system that is in place in Armenia. Why are you so adamant that nothing should be done about corruption?

    • I’m also an Armenian from the diaspora, and not of the lastest generation (I mean not of those who left Armenia for Glendale or other cities…)!
      Please simply accept the fact that all Armenian from disapora aren’t necessarily of your opinion and are not categorically ARF members. Please do not speak on behalf of all diasporan Armenians as if they were all Dashnaks and do not systematically refer to diasporan Armenians for all decisions and actions taken by ARF.

      Thank you.

    • Pat appears to think he/she is talking with ARFers when this has nothing to with ARF. I think we should just leave Pat alone. He/she appears to be in denial of how corruption in hurting Armenia.

  6. To Pat,
    if by ¨¨Diaspora´s struggle is elsewhere¨¨ you mean our sacred march towards Genocide Recognition,then you can save your breath.We all know it from teen agers to elders–
    On the other hand if you mean Serj Tankian´s efforts(not just this correspondence with S.Sargsyan, are useless,you err. This youngman has inspired faith to youth and old alike the world over.Faith in achieving JUSTICE!!
    He has not ¨¨borrowed¨´anything from Raffi Hovanissian. He advocates justice through song and now through spoken and written WORDS as well.
    I wish he would be nominated (by Diaspora) as our spokesperson.
    I ussed to use that adjective ,or name for H.Sassounian.But latter is good very good actually at journalism, not what Serj does.Latter is an advocate of our CAUSE through other means. Serj has done it!!!
    AS to S.Sargsyan….wwell it is up to him to decide my middle of the way solution to this crisis.FOR THAT IS WHAT IT IS a CRISIS.That is to admit a CONCILLIATORY AND TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT…
    oNE LAST ¨¨SUGGESTION¨´ OR THIS TIME OVER RATHER comment!!!!
    had Serj Tankian been(or hope will happen) supported by a weighty BILLIONAIRE……then we would have him in Armenia,no not as a ÑPresident but a Cultural Diaspora-Armenia Link head.Which would not stop him from his travels worldwide.Fact of the matter is he would then with NEW SONGS introduce our CASE/CAUSE,before 2015 W O R L D W I D E !!!
    Just a thought .comment.Do you like it Armenians??????
    Please YES, or nO.Silence bodes bad(you know what I mean)

  7. Thanks to Perouz
    For referring us to statistics in Wikipedia,above. And the world Bank Mg.director´s statements. I wonder if the loans extended by said entity are well spent in RA. Meaning not to sectors that are supported by say armenia Fund and/or private DONORS..
    Latter, very very much customary/habitual amongst Diaspora compatriots who wish LIKE (PLEASE EXCUSE ME FOR COMPARIING HERE) SEVERAL DIASPORA AND (NOW HOMELAND AS WELL,COMES TO MIND THE ….repat.am) with airs and desires to go it alone.exampels,are not rare:-World Armenian Congress,Moscow, Haybachdban and…Western armenian parliament another ,yet another coming right up? in U.S. or shall we mention the old one ,that of Armenian assembly etc.,
    Where was I..oh the CHARITY DONORS of Armenity(copied of course)..well these are accountable to the people who do so like K:K. also did and many others…
    Myu point is an international well known Entity that may be called as the most important one as rgds Economy oriented MOVE or whatever that keeps small and large countries Budgets afloat…should really BE SPENT PROPERLY BY RECEIVING SIDE….every penny spent must be for usefull purposes,as otherwise, the effort by said entity will have been SEQUESTRADO-sequestered… so to say…
    That is why i opt and advocate a Scandunuvian(Sorry,Scandinavian) mode of Governance for my Patria!!!! always will.We don´t need neither (needed) ex soviet ,nor present wild free market one!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Hasgcoghin barev!!!!

  8. Dear Armenian Brothers and Sisters.
    I’m so glad to see, that today’s Armenia is changed, so much (Thanks to Raffi Hovhannisian’s set example for rallies, our Police, our People) that no one is going to get violent in anyway.
    I’m proudly watching sometimes debating with opponents, and I’m seeing a passion and courage to listen each other and respect each others opinion.

    I would like to thank Serj Tankian, for his close attention to the issue, and with our President Serj Sargsyan, And PPeple’s Choice Raffi Hovhannisyan, for their courage and show and set example, that they can be disagree, challenge each other, but remain FRIENDS whatever the outcome!

    This is for every Armenian to learn!

    I wish, that Both sites to come to a solution, to SAVE ARMENIA, and work for the Best Interests of Armenia! Make it a Heaven on Earth!

    THANK YOU, MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS

    Gagik Avagyan

  9. It is about time for someone to speak the hearts and minds of many Armenians. Hopefully, this will be a new beginning for our nation to substantively transition to the next level, true democracy and justice for all, it is the ultimate for all nations and society as a whole.

  10. Armenia Migration Exodus Creates Women-Only Villages

    An estimated 60,000 Armenians are leaving their country each year in search of a better life, and the mass exodus has caused a startling new trend: whole villages populated almost entirely by women.

    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/08/10/armenia-migration-exodus-_n_923832.htm

    A Very Dangerous Situation for Armenia

    During the past eight years alone, between 1992 to July 2010, more than 1.1 million people emigrated from Armenia, according to the Migration service. The majority of Armenians emigrate to Russia and Ukraine, specially to Moscow, but also to Altay, Voronezh (where there are aircraft factories), Kaliningrad, Kaluga, and other regions. Russia offers palatable conditions, gives them homes, offers work, transportation expenses of their belongings and bonus money — a one time deal somewhere between $4000 to $5000 and specially gives them citizenship within a year. It is the Russian law to lure migrants, people unhappy in the Motherland. According to some figures, 70,000 people leave Armenia annually while other place the figure higher.

    http://www.keghart.com/Keshishian_Emigration

    To Greener Shores: A Detailed Report on Emigration from Armenia

    http://armenianweekly.com/2013/01/22/to-greener-shores-a-detailed-report-on-emigration-from-armenia/

  11. This is amazing. Tankian has skillfully and single-handedly made Serzh look like a fool before everyone’s eyes. Serzh thought he could just respond to Tankian’s first letter with the same BS, and now he is trapped. If he responds again, he runs the risk of sinking deeper and appearing even more foolish. If he does not reply, he is in effect admitting the defeat of his phony arguments. Serzh should have just refrained from responding to Tankian’s first letter. It is as if Tankian has trapped Serzh like a little rat and is reeling him in. Job well done, Tankian.

  12. Boyajian, Random A, Gaytzag, Greg and all others…

    I tried to answer earlier but apparently was censored…

    I am also in the Diaspora, but not part of the recent wave of emmigration Yerevan-Glendale or Yerevan-Wherever, but descending from Genocide survivors…

    What I want you to understand is that other disaporan Armenians have a right to different opinions than yours and you have to admit that the Armenian diaspora is not necessarily represented by a single political ideology, such as the ARF.
    I should add that I am not involved in any political movement, I am just pro-Union of Armenians of the world, Armenia-Diaspora and certainly not for any kind of sectarianism or division. But in an union ideas are not necessarily identical or unique [and that is what makes the strength of the group] however ideas can revolve around a common core. It is necessary for the survival of a group that all its members follows the same path and the safest way. As the group moves forwards, it will encounter countless obstacles, but its members can overcome those pitfalls without major difficulties, only if they remain confident, stick together, attentive to each other, and stay in perfect harmony.

    • Dear Pat,
      Before I switched to this column´s (Tankain to Sarkissian) posts,I just posted one on another thread.Please, all,read that post…
      1.in brief format.I opt for as above (my 2 posts)for a CONCILLIATORY-TRANSITIONAL Govt.Hope S.Sargsyan(he offered Rafi 2nd most important post, FM with plenty of experience and internationalism)Hope he does that and not ONLY TO RAFFI but as follows:-
      2.Raffi,may not be -at present -the one that the.(let´s say Int´l powers to be)wish.Thence, S.Sargsyan -as the next Transitional pres.O.K….however,Raffi,Paruyr(latter,all forget conveniently,was the First DEFIANT in the 15 Republics to bid for Independence of Republic of Armenia!!)
      And he is the one,Paruyr insists(like self) that Russia not so Tavarish(friendly as it professes) and there are many facts to prove that .Now,,hold it there,please don´t say I(Gaydz is advocating Anti Russian.no far from it ) But paruyr will always them Russians that we are no longer the Czaris or Bolshevik ruled Armenia!!!!! not any more….He would thus make best Interior Ministre,or arelevant Ministerial post.What´s more he is not ARF so Russianscan attribut to him said Integralism from Russian thinking etc.,
      3. AS Prime Ministre,I suggest,someone from the NEW (Schola)schooling whether from RA or even Diaspora(near abroad Russia,or Europe)we do have such in those areas.Matter of looking around and choosing well.
      Thus a TRANSITIONAL -CONCILLIATORY GOVT. CAN TAKE SHAPE by and by.No need to hurry.
      Raffi has said he will go on with his post electoral campaigns or efforts for a while,therefore it gives plenty of time for pres.Serge Sargsyan,but he has to move a bit faster.He can even do what we may call an extra ordinary act,having Paruyr or Raffi has Transiotionary Vice-president(never mind the constituion or enter a quick NEW CLAUSE in same admitting that option.And then elect a temporary such from one of the Traditional armenian political parties as Vice president.Say ,Vahan Hovhanissian( i opt for him,is more RA oriented than the Ramgavar or Prosperous Armenia party(PAP).ARF,out of RA is THE MOST IMPORTANT one let´s not forget.
      Then again one Ministre from overseas for the Ministry of Diapsora.Either from EU(France) or RF( to appease the Russians) .Please forgive me if I have been carreid away with my hypothetic conjectures.But I believe I set these persons forth becasue I think the MOMENT requires such, rather than the old ,so far8sorr for the expression) Old Communist oriented mentality persons,that unfortunately has put such a stamp on their mindset,difficult to…erase soon. That must be put aside,as above described.Please forgive my errors whether in spelling or grammar,am typing very fast..

    • Pat,

      You’re really not addressing the issues with this response.

      “What I want you to understand is that other disaporan Armenians have a right to different opinions than yours and you have to admit that the Armenian diaspora is not necessarily represented by a single political ideology, such as the ARF.”

      No one is saying you don’t have the right to your opinions. We’re discussing the merits of these opinions. A diversity of opinions is a good thing.

      The issue I see from the very start of your postings is that you essentially advocated Armenians in Armenia should just suck up and accept the corruption and oligarchy in Armenia for the sake of union and security of Armenia. The problem many people have pointed out is that these two are not mutually exclusive and need to be resolved at the same time. In fact an Armenia with low corruption and competitive business makes Armenia stronger economically and better able to defend itself. Imagine an Armenia where diasporans will want to move to.

      Serzh has not done enough and the people of Armenia have a legitimate complaint.

  13. All this talk is nice, but what concrete actions will the Diaspora organizations take to help Raffi secures either a run off or change of control? It is time for the ARF and AGBU to make statements and mobilize. In fact, if the RPA is not uprooted soon, then there will be no point to staying Armenian in the Diaspora. I am serious. In essence, by acting against the cancerous RPA, the AGBU and ARF will be strengthening their organizations.

  14. Vahagn, if you truly think the President of the Chess Federation of Armenia has been “trapped” by some rock star you’re running the risk of appearing more foolish than your comment suggests. My God how insane some of the commentators are. For the sake of the nation I hope Raffi doesn’t share any of your sentiments otherwise I wouldn’t want him to run a post office let alone the country.

  15. While delusional posters hallucinate about unconstitutional so called ‘runoffs’ or ‘change of control’, world leaders continue sending congratulations to the duly elected President of RoA, who, God willing, will be the President of RoA for the next 5 years.

    [UK Ambassador congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on reelection]
    {On behalf of the Government of the UK I must congratulate reelected President of Armenia,(UK Ambassador Jonathan James Aves)} (February 28)

    [German Chancellor congratulates Armenia’s Sargsyan on reelection]
    {German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a congratulatory message to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, on the occasion of his reelection to this post.} (February 27)

    [State Department congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on reelection]
    {The U.S. Department of State congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his reelection as President of Armenia} (February 26)

    [Armenian president continues receiving congratulatory messages]
    {The President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan is still receiving congratulatory messages on the occasion of his re-election.
    Serzh Sargsyan received messages from the President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer, Greek President Karolos Papoulias, Truong Tan Sang from Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, Tajikistani President Emomalii Rahmon,…} (February 26)

    [Kerry congratulates Armenian president on his re-election]
    {U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his re-election as the President of Armenia.} (February 25)

    [European Commission head congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on reelection]
    {President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Durao Barroso sent a congratulatory message to President Serzh Sargsyan on his reelection.} (February 25)

    [Russian Patriarch congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on re-election]
    {Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill congratulated Armenia’s incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan on his re-election}(February 24)

    [Heads of Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, Slovakia and Lithuania send their congratulatory messages to President of Armenia]
    {President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė, in her message to the President of Armenia, voiced her hope that during his the second term Armenian-Lithuanian relations will strengthen economic, cultural and political relations.
    The President of Lebanon Michel Sulaiman has congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his victory on the elections and has wished him success in his work.
    The President of Slovakia Ivan Gašparovič has confirmed once again Slovakia’s willingness and interest to continue a comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic of Armenia.
    The President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi has congratulated President Sargsyan and wished great achievements and success for the Armenian people.
    The President of Israel Shimon Peres on behalf of the Israeli people and himself, congratulated President Serzh Sargsyan and wished him success.} (February 21)

    And the list goes on…..

    Question for Mr. Hovanissian: how many countries to date have congratulated you on your imagined electoral win ?

    Mr. Hovanissian: Armenia’s presidential election electoral majority, the 58% of 60% who voted, are still waiting for you to congratulate reelected President Sargsyan.
    Stop being a sore loser, Sir.
    Stop dividing the country.
    Do the right thing.

  16. While delusional posters hallucinate about unconstitutional so called ‘runoffs’ or ‘change of control’, world leaders continue sending congratulations to the duly elected President of RoA, who, God willing, will be the President of RoA for the next 5 years.

    [UK Ambassador congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on reelection]
    {On behalf of the Government of the UK I must congratulate reelected President of Armenia,(UK Ambassador Jonathan James Aves)} (February 28)

    [German Chancellor congratulates Armenia’s Sargsyan on reelection]
    {German Chancellor Angela Merkel issued a congratulatory message to Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, on the occasion of his reelection to this post.} (February 27)

    [State Department congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on reelection]
    {The U.S. Department of State congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his reelection as President of Armenia} (February 26)

    [Armenian president continues receiving congratulatory messages]
    {The President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan is still receiving congratulatory messages on the occasion of his re-election.
    Serzh Sargsyan received messages from the President of the Swiss Confederation Ueli Maurer, Greek President Karolos Papoulias, Truong Tan Sang from Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Uzbekistan President Islam Karimov, Tajikistani President Emomalii Rahmon,…} (February 26)

    [Kerry congratulates Armenian president on his re-election]
    {U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his re-election as the President of Armenia.} (February 25)

    [European Commission head congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on reelection]
    {President of the European Commission Jose Manuel Durao Barroso sent a congratulatory message to President Serzh Sargsyan on his reelection.} (February 25)

    [Russian Patriarch congratulates Serzh Sargsyan on re-election]
    {Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill congratulated Armenia’s incumbent president Serzh Sargsyan on his re-election}(February 24)

    [Heads of Israel, Egypt, Lebanon, Slovakia and Lithuania send their congratulatory messages to President of Armenia]
    {President of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaitė, in her message to the President of Armenia, voiced her hope that during his the second term Armenian-Lithuanian relations will strengthen economic, cultural and political relations.
    The President of Lebanon Michel Sulaiman has congratulated Serzh Sargsyan on his victory on the elections and has wished him success in his work.
    The President of Slovakia Ivan Gašparovič has confirmed once again Slovakia’s willingness and interest to continue a comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the Republic of Armenia.
    The President of Egypt Mohamed Morsi has congratulated President Sargsyan and wished great achievements and success for the Armenian people.
    The President of Israel Shimon Peres on behalf of the Israeli people and himself, congratulated President Serzh Sargsyan and wished him success.} (February 21)

    And the list goes on…..

    Question for Mr. Hovanissian: how many countries to date have congratulated you on your imagined electoral win ?

    Mr. Hovanissian: Armenia’s presidential election electoral majority, the 58% of 60% who voted, are still waiting for you to congratulate reelected President Sargsyan.
    Stop being a sore loser, Sir.
    Stop dividing the country.
    Do the right thing.

    • Avery, Hovhanissian has gone too far for his own good, he can’t turn back now without losing face. It is sad that the pride of one man will lead to irreversible consequences for an entire nation. Instead of trying to spark a revolution based on unfounded accusations, he should have vowed to support and HELP the current president under the conditions that he addresses the issues that Raffi is now vowing to tackle himself. I can’t help but get the impression that no matter how good his intentions are, Raffi wants the glory for himself, otherwise he would be willing to work with the current government to help the country move forward. Instead he is forcing them to give in to his demands. Put yourselves in Sarkissian’s shoes, would you step down when confronted with Raffi’s bullying tactics? Hovhannisian is handling this all wrong, he is leaving no room for a mutually agreeable compromise. If this is any indication of the kind of statesman he will be then frankly I’d rather he make a graceful exit now before he takes it too far. But oh wait, as I said he lost the chance to do that. I’m sure Sarkissian’s administration would have offered him a leading role from which he could have then transitioned to presidency in a few years. Instead he is trying to bully them into a complete defeat, nobody is going to accept that.

    • Well said Avery and Zareh. I was wondering if Raffi as a president of Armenia will be able to survive a minute with Puttin on the same table, or with Erdogan. Leaders do not resign from their posts under pressure, no matter what the reasons are. Leaders do not perform hunger strikes simply to regain some political clout; leaders do not terminate hunger strikes without achieving the desired goal simply because a high level American diplomat pays them a visit. Leaders do not speak of themselves and about the legacy of their families every time they get a chance to get on a podium. I seriously question the capabilities of Raffi Hovanissian leading Armenia in this critical time. The political pressure from Russia, US, Turkey and the ongoing war with Azerbaijan requires a seasoned politician who is familiar with the old Soviet system and knows how to maneuver skillfully.

  17. Baron Hovhanissian Raffi, don’t you think it’s also time for you to officially congratulate the President Serj Sarkissian ?

  18. Dear Zareh et al
    Why do Armenians- in general- act centrifugally (fugando del centro)escaping from centre…you see myHispano-latin helps me out sometiems to further expalin my thoughts. No Centralism exists within armenians,unless (Jibot) stick, so to say, is used….I am beginning to suspect that we SHALL NEVER BECOME a compromising lot. After long debates ,discussions ,finally come to a common denominator…why???something wrong with our genetical composition or what.
    Now , here goes, it is not <RAFFI per se ,but Hairikian, Bagratian, many many many more intellectuals, who have a different approach to nation building.Other than what (unfortunatley) RA has followed.Thank God ,at least we knew and learnt finally at Sardarapat ,1918 and then again NK ,1991 to become ONE FIST!!!
    at lest that.after that back to sqaure one ,or fragmentation.I.m dead serious aboiut that.One cannot but admite ,an example the Swiss, yes the Swiss people.The CH(Confederacion Helvetica)is composed mainly of three different language speaking people,French,.Italian and German,each adjacent to mentioned country mentioned. They own to and keep to the roots of said neighbour peoples.And …yet they become one fist one Nation,when international issues are there to address. One other law that is vigente(alive) is that all undergo military service at proper age and after that take home onme good Rifle or let´s say `proper weapon.In short the whole people aare taught to be ready for defense,just in case…..
    In my posts here and also articles in a few-just a few- published I have brought up the issue of our young when in Armenia from Diaspora countries,aside from language,culture ,history,should undergo a military -cadet training for a couple months (together with the new recruits) in RA.
    I have defended and sstill argue that the Ministry of Diaspora,in order to really be so, OUGHT TO HAVE within its structure or staff,-as you wish- 5 permanent delegates from the 5 main Diaspora areas,N.& S.Americas,EU,RF and the Middle East.These have totally different mindsests,langiuage way of life etc., plus vis a vis the Homeland…one.
    thence if all meet daily basis in Yerevan at the minsitry, and in constant contact(latest communications)iwth their Diaspora countries can solve a lot of issues sset forth together ,et.c.,metcm etc,m
    When io presented all that first time at the Minsitry they took it and listend to me and also conducted live interview to then put it away,I take it…
    Lately one ,who was with the said section has left it and is advocating something that I sseriously SUGGEST<, that of Repatriation with National Investment Trust Fund…anyone listening????
    and this dear fewllo has now come FSD and is ..well on a very small scale infitissimally small following it up Like the one that is in action…that of ARI TUN…which BTW, was being implemented 30 and more yrs ago byt eh Committee for relations with armeniasn abroad.What a FARCE!!!!
    EVERY ONE, OR EVERY small GROUP ON ITS OWN…
    I think, we are lucky then to have this (though no so desirable ) present Govt.modality (with Jibot) and in tandem with the ….XXX to be (vamos…the powers to be ) performing in RA. We must ,either really start CHANGE…
    and I take back whatever I wrote abofve and previously SUGGESTING SAID CHANGES IN RA. You know why??? becasue when we in Diaspora we have not as yet become one .That is an organized Entity with a Central Council in every Armenian community country and all these submitting to one Supreme Council of the Diaspora (with 5 dept.s) I am tired I can pick it up from here later, why 5 Departments—-
    ONCE , we ahve that then we can really believe we are organzied and criticize RA.Latter with all its defects with the Jibot(stick) is doing allright,this is my conclusion.If miraculously the tide changes and S.Sargsayn by adn by GOES THROUGH SOME REAL CHANGES AND introduces better persons…

  19. “I suddenly heard the popcorns popping…I was so happy and ready to enjoy them, when I realized all was burned and the whole house was filled with smoke!! But how is this possible, I thought I was the king of popcorns!!”

    Pari or ;)

  20. Indeed, Pat, not only did many hundreds of thousands think the popcorn was burning, they believed the entire house was burning into ash. They claim it’s why they left. It’s also why thousands more tell us that they are saving their pennies, lined up to also leave for places where their children can share in the butter on the popcorn. Is it possible that they are tired of the king licking the running butter off his fingers while they eat burned popcorn?
    You have a nice day too, Pat.

  21. To pat to Perouz with respect!!!
    Indeed the popcorn diplomacy(yours) has not place either in a world that is as following:-
    I have watched a debate/discussion only few minutes ago on H1 Armenian channel,remember the Sumgait and Baki massacre of the Armenians by the cousins of the grey wolves….
    These women(all respect to them) imagine they can BY (Գայլի գլխուն աղօթք կարդալով…) in Armenian now “praying on the heads of the wolves” change them… and here we are discussing re Oligarkhy, undemocratic rule etc.,
    God’s sake!!! some like the famous Ostrich saying that has the head in the sand …we are not looking around to HIT ON THE NAIL re very PRESSING issue much more than Tigran,Serge Giragos and margos…*we know who they are copying shall we say not to hurt latter’s feelings…
    THAT OF OUR B E AU T I F U L TWO NEIGHBOURS..day in day out they are “thinking how to ge these Ermenis out of the way”,indeed indirectly supported by those that thus they would go on sucking the precious Liquid gold outtta that area…by passing the hindrance RA etc., THINK ABOUT THAT!
    These ladies were trying to find ways to change the attitude of the heirs of the Attilas, leng Temours and Gingiz Khan…not AWARE THAT IT IS IN THEIR blood ,genes…im[possible to change their desire for PLUNDER AND DESTRUCTION!!!!.They just don’t get it that it is their VOJ,Style to twist the realiteis to deny be DENIALSITS inside out!!! and Avery and others here trying like self to now and then refer to these…
    Now then , innstead of wasting too much time on trying to straighten things in Hayastan,please let’s try to get as I wrote above -like the Swiss-each family personb to be authorize,indeed those who have gone military service..issued with a rifle and small pistos.For latter would be ,or rather could be used for other purposes.The Swiss know that quite well and that is why the issue big RIFLES…that the receive cannot freely carry in public and commit crimes etc.,
    No one has so far commented on my 2 other comments
    A. Have 5 permanent delegates from our 5 main community areas in Minsitry of Diaspora/
    B. Young going to Armenia ,to undergo military cadet training,while also learning language, history adn culture…very IMPORTANT this latter, as in all or near all Armenian community countries our kids do not undergo that..
    C. Be a bit tolerant of ea other, respect all others’ viewpoints and CONVERGE,if majority so does,indeed. We two chronic traits that hopefully we shall root out from our nature….
    best, Hasgcoghin

  22. ERRATA!!!
    In ssentence of below ,shjould read as>/
    issued with Rifles , NOT PISTOLS…and last sentence should read “we have two bad traits….

  23. The following segment is from a report in today’s Gibrahayer Magazine:

    http://www.gibrahayer.com

    “We have come here, to this rally, because as we announced earlier, Dashnaktsoutiun stands with you, with the people,” he said.
    Rustamian noted that the Armenian people proved on Feb. 18 that it’s impossible to kill justice and freedom. He said, “The people does not tolerate the rotten political, social, economic, and moral environment.”
    Rustamian joined other opposition leaders at the rally in their criticism of the statements of international observers, who deemed the elections fair. “Regardless of what the international observers say, it is you who took part in the election, and you know all too well what really happened,” Rustamian said.
    “This is an unstoppable movement to establish the rule of the people,” argued Rustamian.”

  24. the comments by Avery are along the same lines to every article. while I respect real comments, regardless of my own views, this person is a SS troll, so don’t be fooled by his long winded nonsense.

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