Speaking at the OSCE Meeting of the heads of state or government, held on Dec. 2, Armenian President Serge Sarkisian said, “Armenia categorically rejects the resumption of military hostilities in Nagorno-Karabagh as an option. In case Azerbaijan resorts to military aggression, Armenia will have no other choice but to recognize the Nagorno Karabagh Republic de jure and to employ all its capabilities to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh.”
Below is the full text of his speech.
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Distinguished President Nazarbayev,
Madam Chairperson,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
This meeting of the Heads of States participating in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is, in a way, unique: This is the first summit of the OSCE in the 21st century and the first to be held in the post-Soviet area. I would like to congratulate the Kazakhstani colleagues and personally President Nursultan Nazarbayev for active chairmanship and excellent organization of the Summit.
Nations living in the realm of the OSCE have been closely following and waiting with hope and anticipation for the holistic implementation of the principles enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act with hope and anticipation. The people of Nagorno Karabakh are one of them, eligible to expect the implementation of these principles and commitments, which are universal regardless of the size of a country, its population, or natural resources.
Nagorno Karabakh proclaimed its independence in September 1991, followed by the referendum on independence conducted in December in full compliance with the norms of international law and Soviet legislation which was in effect at the time. With the subsequent disintegration of the USSR, two legally equal state entities emerged: the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Nagorno Karabakh Republic. In response to the policy of ethnic cleansing and full-fledged military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan against Karabakh in 1992, the unrecognized, yet legitimate state of Nagorno Karabakh, in the face of imminent extinction of its people, was forced to resort to its right to self-defense in full compliance with the norms of international law.
Failing to purge Nagorno Karabakh of its Armenian population by military action, in May of 1994 Azerbaijan had to conclude a tripartite ceasefire agreement with Nagorno Karabakh and Armenia. The ceasefire could have transformed into a foundation for the establishment of durable peace in the interests of the peoples of the region.
Under the guise of negotiations and contrary to the efforts of the Minsk Group, Azerbaijan has used the subsequent 16 years to make preparations for a new reckless military scheme. Baku assumes that the cause-and-effect relationship behind the Karabakh conflict has been forgotten. By evoking today the need to reclaim territories currently under the control of the Nagorno Karabakh Self-Defense Army, Azerbaijan fails to acknowledge that it is impossible to eliminate the consequences of aggression without addressing the root cause of the conflict.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As far as I know, Azerbaijan is the only country on the European continent that boasts the manifold increase in its military spending. However, no necessary actions have been taken with regard to Azerbaijan’s flagrant violation of the permissible levels of the armaments stipulated by the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe; moreover, offensive weapons are being sold to Azerbaijan, including by some OSCE member states. All this is accompanied by blatant Armenophobic statements of the Azerbaijani leaders, and by calls which incite animosity, aggression, and violence. It has reached the point where Azerbaijani officials miss no opportunity to claim that the capital of Armenia, Yerevan, is located “on historical Azeri lands”. Recently in UNESCO they challenged the intellectual rights to the Khachkar, cross-stone masterpiece of the Armenian Christian art, alleging that the Khachkar is nothing else but an example of Azeri art. Should that’s been the case, one can only wonder what was the rationale behind the barbaric destruction just five years ago of one of the greatest-ever monuments of that art, the medieval Armenian cemetery in Jugha with thousands of Khachkars, and the construction in its place of a military firing-range. Incidentally, this became the present day epitome of a long-standing and persistent policy of total eradication of the Armenian cultural heritage in Nakhijevan, a region that enjoys the highest degree of autonomy within Azerbaijan.
Distinguished Colleagues,
Azerbaijan’s attempts to extort unilateral concessions through the threat to use force are doomed to failure; what’s more, these attempts continue to remain the greatest impediment for the compromise-based settlement of the conflict. Last week, it once again became clear to me that at this stage Azerbaijan has no interest in settleing the Karabakh issue: Its sole purpose is to inflict as much damage on Armenia as possible.
Armenia categorically rejects the resumption of military hostilities in Nagorno Karabakh as an option. In case Azerbaijan resorts to military aggression, Armenia will have no other choice but to recognize the Nagorno Karabakh Republic de jure and to employ all its capabilities to ensure the security of the people of Artsakh.
Nagorno Karabakh has no future within Azerbaijan and, whatever the solution, it must emanate from the will of the people of Karabakh. This is the axis of the right of people to self-determination. Azerbaijan has neither legal, nor political, nor moral grounds for its claims over Nagorno Karabakh.
Distinguished Colleagues,
This OSCE Summit is of paramount importance for the future activities of the Organization. I would like to emphasize the great contribution of Kazakhstan – the country which holds the OSCE chairmanship, to the organization of this long-expected meeting, and thank the hosts for their warm hospitality.
Thank you.
How can this be interpreted,hard to explain. ¨We will, if hostile action is resumed..to thaat effect. NK,Artsakh ,like Raffi Hovanissian ex-Foreign Ministre of RA has repeatedly pled,should have been ,should be recognized in the first place by RA. As otherwise, Azerbaijan and especially great Turkey, stand a firmer ground,showing to world,in this case above VERY important Conference,that Armenia/Artsakh are NOT 100% sure of their demands,by showing a faltering stance.
Indeed this position by RA has been there right from the beginning,when indeed it should have been the reverse.That is when NK became -nay declared independent!!!
Same also-this is not the place to say-write about it, refers to commence Armeno Turkish diplomatic relations..
They shut down the borders,all know that,in response of NK-Azerbaijan ¨cease fire¨not peace agreement.Thence RA ,has not shown a firmer stance, at the very least as rgds NK. The other much more important one ,the Armeno Turkish one can be regarded as the MAIN one,not NK´s.
Anyhow,at present it is not too late, to commence recognition of NK Independence by Ra, if the Azeri snipers re-commence even their random firings.
this is when Armenian diplomacy and NK can wrok harder to obtain more countries to recognize NK Independence.
Dear Gaytzag,
Your patriotism is very much appreciated and respected. However, if we look at the president of RA’s progress over the last two years you will see a remarkable change and evolution. He is changing from a president who was scared and unsure of himself to a self confident leader. I think we need to give him credit for this transformation. He is taking his position seriously and starting to lead. This is a good start. Mr. Sarkisian and RA still have a long way to go. With Diaspora’s support RA should be able to go through these difficult times. The time has to be right for the recognition of Artsakh. I do agree with you that RA not only should recognize Artsakh, but Artsakh should be a part of RA. There should be only one country for the Armenians and not two. In addition we need to get Nakhechevan back as well. I believe there is a lot of debt owed to the Armenians by the Turkish government and to some degree from the Azeri government. They need to grow up and come to terms with their past and their hatred of Armenians. However, this is going to be a long and arduous journey. Mr. Sarkisian will know when the time is politically right and I hope he has enough courage to make the right decision.
Fredrick, romanticism should have no place in the exchange of political views. You’re talking about RA president’s “progress” over the last two years and his “remarkable” change and evolution, forgetting that he wasn’t even elected by the people. Signing of defeatist Turkish-Armenian protocols, creation of a notorious clan system, suppression of basic civil liberties, and monopolization of the market by semi-literate tycoons are also “remarkable” characteristics of his presidency. It is nearly impossible to lead effectively when your leadership lacks popular trust and support. As for Diaspora’s support, I think it should be extended via carefully-designed projects that are beneficial to ordinary Armenians, not the government they distrust.
Dear compatriots I think real patriot Armenian must Criticized Satgsyan(or anybody else) when he is wrong (as Turkish-Armenian Protocol) and Support him (or anybody else) when he is right (In Artsakh Sargsyan is on right track)
USA
Fredrick,
Your name is non Armenian.It may be that you are half Armenian whatever.For your and others´info, a spokesman from RA,Mr. Bekarian has today referred to above NK Recognition. That,and I quote¨The president of Armenia will do so at an appropriate time¨¨.To that effect. Certainly he is the ultimate commander and hopefully will do so,especially after above OSCE very important Conference,if hostile stance by Azerbaijan does not undergo change.Since many there have learnt further about this conflict,this time more extensively as very well explained by our president. Making Azerbaijan and in extension republic of Turkey finally understand that RA,Artsakh and All Armenians(Diaspora) stand FIRM to NK recognition, sooner rather than later.
As to the Armenian Turkey relations,the main knot for all Armenian ¨problems¨stem from R.of Turkey´s attitude towards Armenia and Armenians.Hence, refusing to heed our pleas and demands for so long a period.It cannot be solved if Turkey by passes and fails to Recognize Genocide Recognition and commences to make restitutions,reparations.
It is one thing to please the onlooker states,in this like Conferencdes ,rather , their representatives ,declaring to their satisfaction that Armenia and Turkey are working towards Concilliation,another to not let the wrongdoer(s) get by without being judged properly and condemned by them all unanimously.If this is not being executed, then it follows that another modality not to say law is prevalent and in effect and these are formalities that are repeated to please great Turkey and continue their indifference
Gaytzag, regarding Frederick:
“…Your name is non Armenian. It may be that you are half Armenian whatever…”
Having or not having a traditional Armenian name, such as Gaytzag, does not mean one is more or less patriotic – as regards to Armenian issues.
I see no reason to question the motives of Frederick just because he has a ‘non-Armenian’ name.
The immortal Monte Melkonian did not have a traditional Armenian name, barely spoke Armenian, yet did for far more for Armenia and Artsakh than most: and he made the ultimate sacrifice.
Anybody can use any name – means nothing: it’s what they write and advocate that shows the true colors and intentions of one.
A Turk can use a traditional Armenian name and advocate anti-Armenian viewpoints, and an Armenian can use a traditional Turkish name and advocate pro-Armenian viewpoints.
As to the recognition of Artsakh by Republic of Armenia: she is wise not to, at this time. Recognition by ROA will mean nothing on the international scene – meaning as far the Big Boys are concerned. For example: Turkey, and only Turkey, has recognized the so-called ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’; nobody cares, and it does not exist as far EU, US, or anybody else is concerned.
ROA and Artsakh are clearly joined, for all practical purposes: I don’t see what benefit would accrue to ROA or Artsakh from official recognition by ROA alone.
If Artsakh was attacked, ROA would naturally treat it as an attack on ROA, just as she did during the Artsakh War of Survival and Liberation in the 1990s.
There are many interests, both Western and Eastern (Russia) that prefer the status quo, and don’t want to upset the apple cart.
And I think the status quo suits Armenia and Artsakh just fine: passage of time is to our benefit – for a change.
(and yes, I am 100% Armenian – from Armenia)
Avery,
Firstly ,I am not placing doubts on Fredrick, because of name.As I wrote even if he is half Armenian ¨¨I don´t mind ¨sorry I forgot to add last short Ï dont´mind¨.
You then totally divert from discussion subject matter by this hint.Let us go to the point,please:-
SEcondly, Cyprues case cannot be compared with NK.Latter was,is Armenian,which we liberated.We did not attack Azerbaijan ,we were attracked and thence fought and won,liberating ours.Whereas the picture is quite the contrary in your comparison ,Turkey attacked a land/country that was not theirs and occupied it-for over 3 o years no-whereas we have to have Recognition like case of KOSOVO!!!
Thirdly,as Raffi Hovanissian and myself also insist on NK/Artsakh recognition it is to show that we DO NOT FALTER,waver ON THAT ISSUE.i MADE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT NOT ONLY TURCO-AZERIS would interprete and surmise that RA/we ¨¨hesitate¨to do so,Thence other nations as well will come to that conclusion. Follow what i am saying?
What is more ,if as you write you are from Hayastan,regretfully, many in our Homeland -having undergone 70 yrs of soviet trumpeting/advocating ¨brotherhood¨with turks-azeris,still have hope that latter will change their stance towards us.In my view that will occur after at least 2 generations of imposed Democracy on them.Otherwise if they are left to govern their way,it may be yet couple centureies or so.
Oh, near forgot.Please go to this forum´s i.e. aarmenianweekly´s Section that is in regard to Monte(Avo) Melkonian and you will see my post as rgds to this freedom fighter.I even wrote a poem in his praise!!! it is in my book on sale at Noyan
Armine is referring to Diaspora´s support.For whioch I have a long very long work on that,Please do let me have your e-mails when I shall pass these on to you.
Meanwhile in brief,when we complete formation of 15 Professional colleagues Associations-5 on the scene already,through these, the National invdestment Trust fund.It will be administered by the fun´d 15 offices in Geneva,CH as granting Loans -through Central BVAnk of RRA, agaisnt secured mortgages for 10/15 yrs at 3% to small and medium entrepreneurs and farmers.Latter are being offered loans at present, at 14% by local banks there.The FUND is also intended to-in the first place- organize Repatriation….-I think have exhausted this ¨short´post.
One of the reasons that Armenia hasn’t recognised NKR yet, is because superpowers don’t want it yet. what interest do superpowers share is a long story. by not recognising Armenia gains nothing, but the opportunity to liberate more historical land in case of a new war. the negotiations will continue indefinitelybetween azeris and armenians as long as neither side are ready for consecisson, the former will never recognise its loses, the latter will never give up its successes. Azerbaijan hopes that armenia will become depopulated, the country will face social-economic sever conditions and than it will take back its loses, while armenia thinks that oil will dry out one beautiful day, and refugees will die out, which will close the case for good. Armenia will recognise nkr in case of the shift of the power, and it will not only recognise, but ready to act with preemptive strike. armenia also hopes that if azeris recognise nkr, than it will be short cut from negotiations since otherwise armenia has to struggle for:at least 100 countries have to recognise nkr in order to become a full member of international community (even kosovo has 61 country that recognised it so far). being familiar with caucasian Turks defeatist syndrom, Aliyev will never recognise its loses, while armenia will annex it.
There will always be arguments w/ref. to NK REcognition or better yet its annexation to R.of Armenia(which actually is what it is aimed at,even from the beginning).In question are:-
1. Third countries/states,call them super or otherwise that definitely watch over conflict,especially those financially involved there through their Oil companies.
2.R.of Turkey not only financially involved(they also receive some 1.5 billion dollars per annum as Transit duty) also cheap oil from Azerbaijan.
3.Most importantly-even if Armenia in no way is a hindrance or will be for production or transit of oil(unfortunately above companies,in extension their states by passed RA)R.of Turkey has OTHER motives (such as keeping Armenia /Artsakh at bay,not letting latter attain their age old JUSTICE as to Genocide Recognition ,reparations,not necessarily at once,return of Real property of our ancestors usurped ,after Evicting them from centuries old HABITAT,which is main WORRY they have. Thence trying hard very hard to stop Armenia/Artsakh/Diaspora advancements inm their quest of JUSTICE.
Resume:-If above super or non superpower countries ,whether in neighbourhood or far away realize that R.of Turkey is even presently following their previous Ottoman line and they stay non committal, unfortunately we are in for surprises.Such as small frontier skirmishes, unrests in Kurdish populated areas,as well as Turkey becoming desperate,after failure in entry into EU, refused by Arab countries as to her desired Leadership and the other unfavourable issues she faces-
Above may be prompting her either to make do with whatever she has so far obtained and preserved, or to thrust FWD by force. Latter is dismissed,as she may be facing total abandonment by ¨¨allies¨¨.
Let us hope and trust that their ottoman inherited cunning diplomacy will direct them to calm down and make do with status quo.
Thank you Avery, I appreciate your comments. My background is of no importance when it comes to the issue we are discussing. If anything, it is a distraction. I wish to be judged based on what I write rather than the origin of my name. The important thing is Armenia’s survival and strength. Gaytzag has some good points along with everyone else commenting on this article. I also appreciate Ishkhan and Hovo’s comments. I believe we should give the President of RA the credit he deserves when he does the right thing and criticize him when he does not. In the case of the disastrous protocols, he was new, lacked self confidence and did not have a good understanding of people’s feelings. After his visit to the US and meeting the Diaspora he changed. That was an important education for him and the head of the Armenian constitutional court to hear the views of Diaspora Armenians including Mr. Sassounians speech. He is doing well and I hope he continues representing the will of the people.
Fredrick — The salient right thing that any president deserves the credit for is the well-being of his people. You cannot single out one or two speeches made by Sarkissan against the backdrop of poverty, lawlessness, widespread governmental corruption, notorious clan system, and impunity for the rulers and business oligarchs that reign in Armenia. Your background is, without doubt, of no importance here, but I can just tell judging from your comment that you’re not (if you are an Armenian at all) a citizen of Armenia, enduring hardships and struggle for mere existence on daily basis that lasts under one unelected, illegitimate president to another for 20 years… At least, thank you for acknowledging that Serge “lacked self-confidence and did not have a good understanding of people’s feelings.” Well, of course. Any unelected, unrepresentative president lacks self-confidence. Any self-centered, narrow-minded, and pocket-oriented president doesn’t have a good understanding of people’s feelings. As you correctly observed, he changed after his visit to the US and meeting the Diaspora, but not because he miraculously became public-spirited president overnight. He changed because, I bet, he felt danger to the throne that the Diasporans might have alluded to him. This thug, just as his predecessors, only cares for power and money. The closing statement of your comment: “He is doing well and I hope he continues representing the will of the people” is thus ridiculous and inflammatory to ordinary Armenians in the Republic. Get real…
Armine Who(m) do you suggest to be the next president? Give me a name… He had to signed the protocols because the pressure came from the West and Georgia, but it was the betrayal thwords Russia, so smart people cancel it. Everything is not depend on one person, but society. Nowhere is easy. Yes, you brought some good points regarding oligarchy. Let me tell you LTP destroyed the country, second kocharian brought so called free market, but he did not understand that capitalism means equal opportunity, but not-few persons can take everything and then monopolize everything, third: RA has no resources, our oil is the diaspora. Mer hajeri mech ajspes kochvat axperutjun ka, barcraxav£ irar het kaper unen, vochmekn el et xexch joxovurdi masin chi mtatum sax atori kriv en talis. By so far Serjik is better, but he has to fight the corruption. go figure…
Hovo,
What exactly is your point? We all know what’s going on in our country and what the rulers represent of themselves. Generally, I try to distance myself as much as possible from the personae of our “presidents” and concentrate on the people and their needs. For me, all three of them, without distinction, are antipopular thugs. Except for the very first election in 1992, all consecutive elections were rigged and no one of our presidents therefore represented or represents the will of the people. They do not represent my nation, and that was the main point of my response to Fredrick. Because they don’t, we cannot single out one or two speeches made by Serge, put on rosy glasses and declare that “he is doing well and [we] hope he continues representing the will of the people.” I find such a statement repulsive for Armenian citizens, who, under all three presidents that independent Armenia had, continue to struggle for existence, impoverished, voiceless, disenfranchised… I pity those who repeat the mantra: “RA has no resources.” What does this illustrate? Is it not possible to fight corruption, lay the foundations for the civil society, and eliminate monopolization of the market in a society that has no resources? What kind of logic is this? Japan, too, has no resources, so? If you are one of those people who subserviently tend to choose between worse and the worst, then go hail Serge. I don’t want to have an option of choosing between worse and the worst for 20 years, and, quite possibly, for the rest of my life… Everything, of course, does not depend on one person, but society, but did the society give a vote of confidence to our rulers? Did the society approve of lawlessness? Did the society approve of signing the humiliating protocols? Then who the presidents represent? Themselves? I equally pity those who are whining that Serge “had to sign the protocols.” We all know there was an unavoidable pressure. But you know what patriotic and public-spirited presidents do in such cases? They resign! As for a hypothetical question as to whom I suggest to be the next president, the answer is simple: whoever is elected and given a vote of confidence by the people. Even if the people turn out wrong, let the same people correct their mistake. I don’t want to be “governed” by a non-achiever simpleton and a Mafiosi. I want to be governed by a person whom I chose to be my leader…
I follow your viewpoints and respect your opinions.We started off with issue of NK Recognition,ending in a bit of everything.True,one may be directly or indirectly associated or related to other(s).
I shall be very concise,asking all to address me giving me your e-mails-if you so wish- in order that you may get an idea of my ¨suggestions¨for an overall re-organization of the Diaspora(s).
For sitting far away we cannot and have not the ability to put in our efforts in nation/state´s progress.Thus:-
1.Enhancement of Armenia -Diaspora relations can be worked at much better if our 5 main Diaspora(s) appoint one person each as resident delegates ,to cooperate and coordinate all 5´s ,plus Fatherland´s efforts. These are N.America,S.America,EU,Russian Federation, Middle East(Beirut).These can be re -elected or replaced on a yearly basis.Their Funding?-please read on:-
2.Once we have formed the 10 more ¨Professional Colleagues Associaitons i¨n all Armenian dense communities ,elected their boards ,plus a Novelty of mine 3-person delegates from each elected for one of their 3 merits.- A.Most advvanced in his7her prof.,Most culturally ,nat´l ,Internat´l and with networking capacity and the last economically most successful.5 of these PCA´s omn the scene ,Health Medical, The engineers6 sci.The BAR, The Sportive and the Jewlleers,8this should encompass furnishigns too.then form 10 more,:-Transport7travel,Constructions field, The Bkind & finance, The communications/IT,The Pressa& advertising, The Agricultural, The Environmental/forestry,The Education/culture.etc.,Thesse are where our NIRHOGH HSGA-the slumbering giant ,is resides..then ask the politco and spiritual to joing up with their delegagtes,thus actually , having organzie d real Participation,Representation.
3.Mian Goal , after our 5/6 magnates are approached by a sub committee to form the NUCLEUS of our ¨National Invdestment Trust Fund¨the millionaires ,down to Thousand dolalr investors chip ion .Fund at Geneva Ch, govberned by monetary experts appointed by the NUCLEUS.
4. First important Action,Fund a real Repatriation to RA/Artskah, then Loans extended on 3% per annum basis not what local Banks now ask for 14%,to Farmers and small and medium entreepreneurs for 10/15 yrs.Governments,such as RA do receive from other gov. Loans or Grants, which are channelled to various projects and partially also funneled to some other types.This National one not to crloss and7or mistake with All armenia fund is for All Armenians ,whether in Sydney or Beirut Marseilles or L.A. etc., it will stay in Genva,CH and is for good.
5. Indeed after urgent above needs or injections, the fund will also partially help fund the Quest for Recognition of our Genocide. FIRST THINGS FIRST.SAVE, what we have,pretty much like a family-head, first thinks of keeping safe its home/house and family concerns then other matters.
hope i have made myself clear.My
email is:-Gayzagpal”aol.com. questions welcomed
Dear Armine, it is obvious you have strong feelings and anger towards the current regime in Armenia. I do not want to discount your feelings or your impressions. However, the only difference is that I believe we need to guide our leaders. After all they are human beings. We should give them feedback in terms of what they do right and let them know when we think they are doing something wrong. This is the only way we can change them. As far as the internal structure of Armenia and oligarchy is concerned, I have witnessed it first hand and frankly it is no different than most other countries in the world. It just manifests itself differently in a lot smaller environment. Looking for a utopia is not realistic. However, we need to change the current system to make life more livable for Armenians in Armenia. This can only be done from inside Armenia with the support of Diaspora.
Bravo Baron Nahagah! Please know those of us who understand and appreciate the complexities of your work are fully behind you. Those of us who understand and appreciate the complexities of your work fully realize that under your competent leadership Artsakh’s and Armenia’s borders have never been more secure. Under your competent leadership, the crucially important task of institutionalizing Russian-Armenian alliance has been achieved. Under your competent leadership, majors powers today, not the least of which is Ankara, are beginning to take Armenia seriously. Although I do see some progress on the home-front, I also realize that you have a lot more work left to do domestically. I know that this particular front will be more difficult than all the others. After all, you have the unenviable task of trying to lead Armenians. And whether it is in Yerevan, Paris, Beirut, Los Angeles or in New York, please don’t mind our self-destructive peasantry. The fact remains, you are by far the best president we have yet had.
Up above Armine and Avedis are a typically-old Armenian-polarization scenario.One defends, while the other sharply criticizes present RA president. I would point out following.-
Firstly if Armenia is caught in this modality of ¨free market Economy¨,may I add,¨wild¨, free market economy¨it is because neither she(RA) nor the other 14 ex s.s.republics did not go through a Transitional period to get there. I lived in one of 3 three totalitarian countries for near 24 years namely, Spain.Other two were Portugal and Greece, that went through, near feudal dictatorships through a 13/14 years of Euro-Socialism, to arrive at the free market one.Whereas the 15 ex soviet ones OVERNIGHT from our totalitarian to another. Not only Yerevan, but Moscow and other those republics are in the same boat now. However,
Fredricks last paragraph comment is very much in place. We must work very hard to get Armenia Diaspora to work hand in hand to get the ball rolling,so to speak.Otherwise,whether Armine ,me you others like it or not Armenia is in the current of ¨¨W¨¨ free market economy full blast!!! a pity ,Armine, had our political parties ,especially in Armenia foreseen a bit , what was coming after demise of soviet union,copying the Swedish and neighbour Nordic two more countries mild Euro Socialism,the picture would be quite different now. This much for political/economy.
As to NK recognition, in order not to repeat what I began to write in my first post, up above, I have not changed position. it is not ,Fredrick or others online, for other nations,countries, but ONLY for Azerbaijan and Turkey ,turks that is. Unless they be given a straight one, they will dodge and make other nations also follow them that RA/Artsakh, for reason NOT KNOWN ? are not doing, in fact what they have done!!!!
Up to now , both these neighbours of ours have publicly and openly stated that we are ONE nation in TWO states….
Which gives RA/Artsakh a lead to do same and DECLARE at least Orally…same,if not on ¨paper¨. Time is now to act, before too late,as otherwise,they will strengthen their positions at least outwardly to such Conferecees..
Hama Haigagani SIRO
Have you ever noticed that armenian and azeri lobbies in the USA are working together against protocols? Theis is the only time when both interests are together. By signing protocols, Serjik got the pressure of Turkey against Baku, and he also got the pressure of USA against azeris. USA did not have his ambassador in BAku yet, and Gul did not left the room in Astana, and even had a conversation with serjik. Also serjik put the pressure in Moscow and he extended its base. Turkey is backing up Serj in his stance because of the protocols; no land claims, historical commision, and bla bla, blah. You will see soon that Turkey has to come in terms with its past. Those are all political games well played by the -Serj. Believe it or not diaspora may soon leave azeris interest… Hang on there you may see more surprises, although serjis popularity is low his foreign policies are right (note not domestic)…
The protocols, Hovo,are there hanging over Armenia and Armenidad(Armenity) as saying goes ,like Damoclean sword…
At any moment now, great Turkey to the chagrin of opponents of the protocols may ratify it and then we are in for real big ¨soft¨ surprises….
In short, a forced wedding!!!!
That is why some groups in France have formed the Western Armenian Council…
they smell the rat.They know that by hook or crook the protocols will be enforced to the satisfaction of ¨those´who planned it. It is then that the real heirs of the Genocide Crusade, shall we say will gain momentum and thrust FWD ,never giving up Quest for Justice.And this is the only strategic point/means that latter have to show to ¨those¨ that no any power in the world can hinder OUR Quest for Justice.
It is one thing to have that ¨wedding´consummated, another to see if they will be a happy couple..
For the world owes justice to Armenians!!!!
Frederick, I have strong feelings and anger towards the current regime in Armenia because, in contrast to you, I am unfortunate to live under the current regime in Armenia, and not observe the life, or miserable existence, to be correct, of its people from the distant shores. This said, I agree that we need to guide our leaders, but I suspect leaders must first be elected, perhaps, and given a vote of confidence to be leaders? Secondly, these, mildly speaking, “human beings” need to guided by their constituents through their elected representatives. You may call it “utopia,” but since you claim you’ve witnessed internal structures in most other countries in the world, isn’t it how it normally works elsewhere? Well, then be aware that in Armenia it doesn’t and never did, and I pity those who compare this country with worse countries. I consider it narrow-minded, I’m sorry to say. How about comparing Armenia with better countries for a change? Not necessarily developed democracies like Sweden or the U.S., but even with the neighboring country of Georgia, a fellow successor Soviet state, where corruption is nearly eliminated, oligarchy restrained, and internal order is generally maintained? Go figure… I agree with the trivial truth that we should give these “human beings” feedback in terms of what they do right and let them know when we think they are doing wrong. Well, welcome to the real world! You know, for almost 20 years people of Armenia incessantly let those “human beings” know what they are doing wrong, and so convincingly, that in some instances their “guidance” of the leaders evolved into public unrests. And what essentially happened, may I ask? It is not my privilege to change other people, leaders or not. I have ONE salient constitutional right: to elect them. And this is exactly what’s not happening in Armenia for two decades. I appreciate your another trivial idea that we need to change the current system to make life more livable for Armenians in Armenia. Why won’t we switch places for a change to see how this idea is brought to real life? You come down here and I’ll be watching from distant shores if after a month or so you’d still sing the same praising tune about Armenia’s antipopular regimes. Ready for a switch?
Fredrick: You wrote: “we need to change the current system to make life more livable for Armenians in Armenia. This can only be done from inside Armenia with the support of Diaspora.” But, dear friend, Armenians in the Republic rose on several occasions in modern times against the ruling regimes to change the current system: in 1996 against LTP, throughout the presidency of Kocharian, and as recently as in May 2008 against Sarkissian. Where were the Diasporan Armenians? They didn’t even condemn the violence against their co-nationals. A few of Diasporan organizations went so far as to support Serj in his intention to sign the defeatist protocols. Where is the Diasporan support when it is needed most? I sense Armine is an Armenian from the Republic and I can understand her frustration and generally share her views.
Avetis: We held long discussions elsewhere on these pages, and I invited your attention to the fact that it is inadmissible to stigmatize any nation, especially your co-ethnics, as “self-destructive peasantry”. Some people whom I know post on these pages are erudite, well-edicated intellectuals holding cosmopolitan views. A person considering himself a cosmopolitan cannot, by definition, cast aspersions on all others by calling them “peasantry.” By doing so, you put yourself in the category of provincial, narrow-minded persons and thus devaluate yourself. Also, could you come up with any other tenet than “Russia Only” and “Serge Only”? Could you try to widen the boundaries of your worldview and not fixate yourself on only one aspect in the complex stratification of international politics? Repeating one tenet over and over again becomes a mantra, you know…
Again, I see the polarization mode here amongst participants of the discussion/debate.
No even a slight sign of ¨convergence ¨or cooperation.While one is using really insulting words, the other ,sorry to say, Ms. Armine, is upholding the system in Georgia. A neighbour that has always shunned us,always looked down at us, as though we were inferior to them and above all…oppressed our brethren and sisters in Javakheti.
Yes Armine, when I bring as example Nordic countries mild Euro socialism, that COULD have been the model to choose from in RA, in order to ignore all my arguments she prefers to set forth a neighbour that has always tried to have an upper hand on us.I do believe it would be a good suggestion to ask her to study our latest 100/120 year old ¨¨neighbourly relations with Georgia.Why we even had a short war with them in the 1918/20´s. Abpove ,I have pointed out not to irritate her,but to bring to her attn: that we do not in anyway resemble and wish to resemble that nation.A pity, I told the editor of the only Armenian daily in Tiflis(now modernized ÇTbilisi) in 2002 after A/Diaspora conference, that Armenians there ought to seriously think of by and by forgetting the ¨Gagheti) wine and the lush countryside around Tiflis and move down to RA,particularly leaving some on the way in Javakheti…
These are things to think about and peruse,not how we can get rid of Korrupcia!! they are doing it by and by,if not at the same pace-as she mentions- that Georgia has done.She forgets conveniently that we have A MUCH MORE IMPORTANT PROBLEM WITH THE TURCO AZERIS TO DEAL WITH, while also Korrupcia!!!!
Hell if neighbour great Turkey suddenly_she cannot imagine that ,as someone up above wrote ,he sensed she is from Hayastan,with all due respect to that-but she has not lost like me and other DajgaHyes or Nakhijevantsi, uncles , grandparenets to the Yataghan of the turk.Where was I,.? oh yes if they suddenly become angry ..their ¨Khers¨measns wrath will have no bounds will enter via Alexandropol now gyumri or some other area into our ten times reduced republic, while the foreign embassies will insteada of teñlegrams swend MSM´s emails to their gov.ments reporting that turks are already in RA…
You see it is one thing to see things in rosy colours another to face realities.I am saying all this becauses of more than 50 yrts experience,part of it in Europe studying with friends our situation and our moves politically economicallhy etc., have partipated in many an Armenian Gathering in paris, Marseilles, Lyoin, Lausanne,Madrid etc.,
Not just sitting pretty and reading what the int´l press offers us..
Best is to think of CONVERGENCE AND COOPERATION AMONGST US IN DIASPORA , putting aside hate,jealousy polarization,instgead choosing tolerance, respect and above everything else cooperation .No need to trumpet UNITY…this is a word injected to us by agents of great Turkey.In Europe I learnt from the Euros that they can be leftists ultra leftists rightists, ultcra so,but when their nation/state faces an important issue THE COOPEERATE, then go back again to their daiuly frictions in the press etc.,
Hope we learn to do that at the very least.
rgds to all
Gaytzag,
I had a hard time understanding what so insulted you in my bringing up the example of Georgia, where, according to many international watchdog organizations and my own observations, governmental corruption is almost eliminated and business tycoons are kept in check? What does this have to do with the “neighbour that has always shunned us”? I also don’t understand what parallels can possibly be drawn between domestic corruption and the problem we have with Turco-Azeris? What impact an external issue of national security can have on domestic problem of governmental nepotism and parochialism? Georgians, too, had major problems with the Abkhazians and South Ossetians, but they started laying foundations for civil society, nonetheless. I deplore comments that attempt to tie up internal governmental mismanagement with some external issues. What does taking a bribe by a government apparatchik has to do with the Nagorno-Karabakh issue? Really, I’m puzzled at some of the arguments I hear… Dear Gaytzag, you don’t have to assume an intermediary role between two or several groups of people posting here. No nation can have a monolithic voice on issues of national importance. But, please, let’s call things by their names. If a president is illegitimate, let’s call him illegitimate. If his policies are largely self-centered and not public-spirited, let’s call the fact by its name. If Armenia continues to depopulate as a result of the government policy, let’s call it by its name and raise concerns. If the president made a speech or two that we could like, let’s state clearly that he’s made a patriotic speech. But let us not forget at the same time that domestic course that he and his clique pursue is largely unpopular. This can also be said about his foreign policy. A foreign policy that is essentially the continuation of Russian geopolitical interests cannot be considered an effective foreign policy that serves the interests of Armenia’s independent statehood. Alliance with Russia is a vital necessity, but anyone, not just Serj, could conduct such a “foreign policy” as an extension of Moscow’s interests. To say that we must hope that this president will “continue representing the will of the people” is detached from the reality on the ground. He never did, because he’s unelected. And he’ll never do because of his sudden “love” for his own people. If he does, it’ll be dictated by a threat to his treasury, or a need to accommodate to the external pressure, or the fear to lose the throne. Is playing ostrich more patriotic than stating the truth?
protocols will not be ratified, and constitutional court already has it’s conditions. even if turkey storagri. Second< it is not as easy as you think people. to ship or recieve one container from georgia it is costing us 1200 dollars, while the same container to ship to USA is 800 dollar. yeah, thanks to shakasvili they end up two provinces short. Second armenia is in isolation, you can compare us with japan, althoug they dont have resources they have friends many and many of them. though, they are smart people we too.
we can keep argueing and i am sure there always will be another argument or theory. armine i ask you whom you want to be the next, give me a name….armenia is a newborn baby and it takes time to mature we must have some passion. Armine i was thinking exactly the same way before i left RA but now back and fort i travel. to imply an analogy is saying what you see is only shadow from the cave (Plato “the republic”). i know how hard is in ra for the poor and how easy for the rich. but why we armenians always saying te hayastan erkir chi, why we have gang mentality (not all of us), and no one wants to do dirty job, everybody think that they are minister. THERE IS NO PERFECT SYSTEM, socialism, communism, capitalism or you name it. why we hate the rich, i did not born the golden spoon in my mouth but i always make my money from the rich. rich people when they die they will not take their money with them, they are buisness minded, if you take the money from the rich and you give it to the poor, everybody will become poor, though i can not tell the same to our elite class they are croppt and inept. i know how hard is in ra, making 3_20 dollar a day. so the change starts from us when we discover our talants and contribute to general society> i know how the wealty behaves over there< they think they are better than others. we just have to wait and we will see that armenia will be a developed country.it takes time and struggle> i am much younger than you, i dont remember what elections you are taliking about in 1992, but give me a name let me see who is your next? i hope you have traveled or will then you will see the real difference, and when it comes to foreign police i can tell that we dont have to much friends except russia, usa had put all his eggs in turkish basket, and it will never recognise GA, i did not wanted to share all this because when we born we dont chose our parents the same is true for the country (armenia), and we dont go to our neighbours and complain about our parents, anyway i dont have too much time to write, i have to wake up tmorrow early, things to do….
To Armine,
I shall try to explain:-
We were caught(in RA) between the LTP and S.Sargsyan and company to elect from.I mean our brethren and sisters there(you inclusive).Had not ARF Dashnagtsutyun joint up with Hanrabedakan Serj´s party,also Arthur´s Orinatz Yergir, LTP would have come back on.
I agree with you something drastic has to be done in order to curb ARDAGAKHT -emigration.that can be done again through ,this servant of the Armenian people´s Theses-Programme. ¨Projections on a New Statute for the armenian Diaspora¨that tends to re-organize the Diaspora(s) around PCA´s,also indeed all political parties and all other establishments-IN PARALLEL WITH thesse,not against them, then, through these PCA´s create/establish the ¨National Investment Trust Fund in Geneva,CH, by -firstly our magnates, then millionaires down to ONE thiousand dolalrs investors.FUND is for All armenians whether in Sydney or yugoslavia Alaska Gyumir marseille,it will firstly promote the idea and realize it that of Repatriation with big money.Forget about the 20,30 47 million dollars the IMF,the world Bank other countreis loan or grant to RA. This is to be governed by the diaspora through its offices in YEREVAN….
so much for now,
rgds-saludos
LTP did nothing to serve his country of value,quite the contrary.So if anything we owe it to ARF(I am no Tashnag,get that straight please).Latter, also has faults..let us concentrate on what you asked for to explain.OSETsins (Asetins) are a DIFFERENT people not Georgian!!!
Same applies to Abkhaz people, they are D i f f e r e n t ,understand? they were craving to get rid of Georgian rule, like our brethren/sisters in NK…hope you undeerstand.Politics go hand in hand or parallel with Economy.it is called Political Economy…
Geporgians have always looked down upon us, ask your elder friends,they´ll tell you.Not only are they oppressing our Javakhk, Akhaltskha people,changed names of our churches in Tiflis and also took over some. This has to be addressed !!!!please!!!
I do not approve of addressing me(you as posing like an intermediary in a mocking mode).I shall do as I please.If you do not like a person´s trying to bring to polarized parties to a Convergence, then that is your business,your hard core stance as to present regime.Talking of latter, like Hovo or others have mentioned up above, your very accentuated attitutde towards Serj Sarkisian´s rule is more like those who on some other forums are more openly siding with , e.g. Pashinyan the journalist, the chap that alwasy was on side of LTP instigating revolt-rebellion ,suggesting ..prepare for Defense with sticks iron bars etc., occupying for two weeks a plaza/square.Demonstrations are understood for a day or two or even 374 but always end of day going home..these people were there to toppple Gov. that way.NOT what Mahatma Gandhi preached Peaceful resistance…capiche?
By the by have you watched what goes on in the rest of the world on T.V.´s channels you/we have more than a T.v. channel in Yerevan..please try to keep abreast of news on a daily basis please.
Civil Societies is what the West is NOW trying to introduce on the int´l political scene.Believe it or not I wrote about it in our Armenian Terminology(it is in my book,shall give name at end of this post) UNGERAYNUTYUN,which we lack, both in RA and Diaspora.This can be had through ¨professional Colleagues Associations¨PCA´s on a very large scale.You see 5 of them arfe on the scene already,though only in Paris,L.A. and Yerevan. .More about that later on another post.
Hovo,
Sorry, I’m having trouble reading and thus answering your posts. I think I can make out what you’re trying to say, but you, as well as everyone else here, fail to address my main point. What does external conflicts, or geopolitical isolation, or lack of natural resources, or absence of perfect system, or Armenia being a newborn baby, etc., have to do with sheer governmental mismanagement, corruption, nepotism, and parochialism? Why is it that Diasporan Armenians are so enticed by an isolated speech of a president, forgetting how this president came to power, and what notorious clan system and atmosphere of illegitimacy he has created in the country? His speeches won’t feed your co-nationals, his bold actions at eradicating corruption, lawlessness, and poverty will. Is it so hard to understand?
I thought I already answered your question re: who I see as the next president or who I wished to see as my presidents in the past twenty years. I’ll repeat: whoever is elected as a result of free and fair elections; unrestricted, unsuppressed demonstration of people’s will; whoever is given a vote of confidence by the people EVEN if they make a wrong choice. Let the same people correct the mistake. Leave almost everything on natural balance, evolution. I cannot give you the name of the next president, because I have neither crystal ball to gaze into nor a natural gift of clairvoyance. I deplore the very way such questions are asked: “If not Serj [or Rob, or Levon, the same trash], then who?” Why, doesn’t this nation have patriotic leaders in its ranks? Why always thugs, thieves, and traitors?
Sahakishvili ended up with two provinces short, but my comparison with Georgia was in the realm of their success in eradicating corruption and restraining business oligarchs. What does this have to do with the provinces they lost? Likewise, “Armenia is in isolation,” “Armenia has no resources.” Well, that’s not new and is very sad, but what does this have to do with the castles that a few semiliterate tycoons have and the fact that many people end up rooting through garbage cans? If Armenia has no resources, why then the president, his clique, and criminal oligarchs flourish? If Armenia is in isolation, how do they get construction materials for their castles, furniture, luxury cars, etc.?
I’m compelled to do a dirty job here while being educated at a doctoral level. I never shunned from doing it for my family and never thought I deserved the “ministerial” job. But I think everyone deserves to be in his or her place given their upbringing, education, and professional expertise. I wouldn’t want to turn up soil in the village, because I worked hard to receive education and become a specialist, but I equally wouldn’t want someone from the provincial nook to come and become my “leader”. This has nothing to do with shunning from doing the dirty job…
I’d like to thank you for summarizing your post with a very commendable phrase: “the change starts from us when we discover our talents and contribute to general society.” So very true. If you truly believe in this, then there’s no need to try to explain our failures, problems, and misjudgments by isolation, lack of resources, lack of friends, and existence of external conflicts. Same Japan became a power center and has, as you say, many friends, because they developed democratically, technologically as a society from within. Unless we change ourselves domestically, we won’t be able to successfully solve our external problems. Another option is to whine incessantly explaining our own inability and mismanagement by isolation, lack of resources, lack of friends, and existence of external conflicts. The choice is ours…
Dear Armine,
I commend your having obtained high education and aspiring,aiming at important responsibilities.that is good.I also admire your mastery of the English language.Though I went to school in London looooong ago, I prefer to use simple everyday lingo,saroyanesque ,shall we say.Main point is to drive home in plain words what young nice people like you have not grasped.learning studying is one things ,later absorbing the everyday life happpenings politics and storing one´s knowledge ,another.Latter comes handy now and then.
I wrote above, will repeat.RA is a Wild free market Economy (capitalistic) country now,like Moscow,Russia and rest 13 republics.Pitty it did not adopt the system that 3 like countreis did ,going through a mild Euor Socialism Nordic style then to come up to the capitalistic one.it was performed OVERNIGHT,so to speak this is the result. Filthy rich people and very poor ones, i have travelled from near Georgian border to south East and then West and seen POVERTY in Armenia , even around Yerevan.Bygones are bygones.Armenia is in that current now. So make do with the idea that you live not in Sweden where Education ,Medical care , public trasnport etc. are subsidizesd and therfe is good Social Security system. No misery!!!!.Our ARF ,advocating Internacional socialista, should have explained better to public in Yerevan during their Election Gatherings . Demonstration s to public that they are not -with red flags-anything like the totalitarian communists.They should have instead of wrod even…Socialist, used Úngervar¨, for our brethren there, thought well the commies went and now these semi-ommie Tyashnags are coming…They shpould have spent their time and funds explaining and more even.Brought over from any Euro Socialist country a few Delegates to explainLIKE FROM SWEDEN< etc., and Finland etc., <THAT EURO SOCIALISM Works!! INSTEAD THEY WENT showing said flags plus old very old ssstories of Kristapor etc.,with all due respecgt to tghem,but NOWADAYS, people need change-like you say-they should as an example it is in my book-I forgot i shall give address go pick and read one article there re< ARF, Dahsnagtsutyun. i HAD SUGGESTESD AND STILL DO THAT THEY EVEN CHANGE NAME TO ARMENIAN EVOLUTIONARY FEDERATION,we are sick and tired of REvolutions, we need Evolution!!!
Also the int´l community would have welcome this.What´s more in the eyes of our beautiful two neighbours, would probably change a wee bit their attitude towards this very old Armenian political party of 120 year old…
They would through their Socialist co partners try to understand our position a bit better. You see, not only ARF has had some small but important shortcomings,but it still is one of our oldest and with its Global network and affiliates to be respected.
In a short time I cannot give you all experience and ideas stored in my upper PC(head).Please go to Noyan Tapan or a Library my book is entitled Ärcagahayrenasseri muh Hushseren¨and or the English -Armenian one¨Viewpoints, articles and memoirs of a Free lance patriot¨.On back cover it reads.proceeds from sale go to ¨handicapped children´s centre in Avan Arinj…
In Yerevan, I have many many intellectual ,semi intellectual friends etc.,go there every year and tryu to introduce my ¨A New Concept of Electoral System and governance¨which is also registered as intellectual property both in Washingtpon D.C. and Yerevan. That deals with as it reads..
best rgds
good
Hovo: If I may ask. If you think all Armenia’s problems are explained by the lack of resources, economic isolation, external political pressure, and conflicts with some of her neighbors and not by the provincialism, egocentrism, inherent corruption, narrow-mindedness, and managerial incapability of her rulers, past or present, why did you (or your parents in case you were young to make a decision) leave such “beautiful” ruling regimes in Armenia? Aren’t Armenia’s problems all of external nature, as you think? So maybe one day you’d see better-governed Armenia had you stayed there?
Arsen, you see I left, but did not disappear, the internet made this world so small, and the world became so competitive. My parents are still living in Armenia, my brother serves in RA army, my sister fights against azeris with regard information war. I can not tell you all my biography but I left YSU law faculty to continue my study here. Some people left because they have family to feed, or they have dignity, responsibility or etc. But when times comes some of these patriots will go back to fight. Arsen being familiar with armenian history all our kingdoms had been collapsed because of our divisions. Even the king of the kings, Tigran the Great was having hard time during his hunting when one of his son stole his crown and claimed to be the next king. I don’t even want to talk the western corruption when one percent of population possess 50 percent of the wealt. I don’t even want to response georgian corruptionn when columbia grad shakasvilin incapacitates armenians without due process of the law with lack of evidence beyond resonable doubt, violateing one of the fundamental law of human rights, presumption of innocent. Anyway I can Not keep up with linguistic race, but I just warn you guys that armed demonstartion are very danger for the country, just like one we saw in 2008. This is not only my conclusion, but this is also my last post.
Hovo: Thank you for your last post. May I advise that next time you (or any other ruling clique supporters) post here or anywhere else, you take into account how most of the PEOPLE of Armenia feel towards their “rulers,” pay attention at the DEEDS of those rulers that benefit their citizens, and not at WORDS that don’t add up my consumer basket or improve the rule of law in the country. This is THE ONLY indicator of a ruler’s commitment to represent the will of the people. Next time also be cautious about historical analogies. While it is true that several of our statehoods collapsed as a result of our internal divisions, others collapsed because of superiority of invaders that even consolidated Armenians state couldn’t ward off. Also, if a large portion of the Armenian populace complains about the state of affairs within their country, it doesn’t mean they introduce a “division” to the society. What are you advising impoverished and oppressed people to do? Shut the hell up so there will be no demonstrations representing a danger for the country? If their voice is accounted for during the elections and their basic civil rights are honored, dear Hovo, people won’t take on the streets, organize demonstrations, or initiate public unrest. Lastly, western corruption does exist, but, my dear friend, their corruption does not affect the lives of ordinary people as much as it affects the lives of Armenians. Western basic civil liberties, protection of citizens by the state, their income, social security, and healthcare, are not affected by the corruption. Let’s assume that 1 percent possesses 50 percent of the wealth in the West, but it doesn’t result the deterioration of the general social welfare of most of the people, it doesn’t result in people immigrating from the country or picking the garbage cans. As for the example of Georgia, prosecution of Armenians is a different issue. I believe some commentators here focused on the fact that in general terms Sahakishvili was able to fight the corruption and his business oligarchs are not so insolent and unrestrained as Armenian thick-neck, semiliterate provincials. The point here is that we failed to establish a sovereign nation-state, and not so much because of wars, interstate conflicts, economic blockades, isolation, or lack of resources, but our own inability to rule the country and to establish efficient state mechanisms and infrastructures. In this, I tend to agree with Avetis, that at this historical juncture, the alliance with Russia is vital for Armenia, because we still are not capable of self-rule. Accepting the fact doesn’t make me or others less patriotic than you.
First this is in response to hovo.You are even if ¨storagri-sign) meaning Turkey.That is where you err. The onstitutional Court of RA made the protocols stay in abeyance.Neither declaring its negation nor acceptance-Only mentioning /reserving right to Recognition of Genocide and/or not accepting status quo of borders.This does not mean the other party can unilaterally declare acceptance(it was Turkey´s turn-the ball,as then was mentioned several times over was on their side) hence they might take the decision to sign.
As to your patriotism,there is no doubt about that.But understand others must too,that if he is overseas, it is only natural.Many other countries´peoples have immigrated due to lack of either work or not being in conformity with their govt. rule.Many such countries.
As to regimes.These come and go.It is the State/Nation that counts and stays on,if well guarded by the whole of the people.I have no doubt that our people will do so, from within and from without.To think of better rules,indeed, is any citizens right.But one must understand that as one above well explained that even supposedly friendly Georgia is trying to make the most of Armenia´s goods going through her territory ,making it real tough for our brethren /sisters in Javakheti to preserve their rights etc., then if RA has so far fared well through a complementarian policy ,she should not change that.At present as someone just posted the tendency is towards RFederation, so be it.If later it becomes more adequate to change stan ce towards other side or at least maintain membership in this that Entity that is western oriented ,that also O.K.
Armenians are learning to do that like their neighbours.Just an example here now:-
Georgia ,a few yrs ago had totally directed her foreign policy towards West-remember G.W.Bush went over to Tiflis,though ffew recall that as result of that, she got one billion dollars just by one stroke of pen,so to speak as AID.Whereas our lobbies in the U.S. over the past 15716 years have LOBBIED begged to get 60,70 or 80 million dollaars a year….only.Thence it boils down that sometimes flexible politics are o.K.
ERRATA!
Please excuse errors above in my post.
In first paragraph,first line should read:-You are wrong,even..
and further ahead.-¨This does not mean that other party CANNOT unilaterally sign the…
G.P.
TODAY EARLY MORNING, On shant, Armenian T.V. channel a debate is going on,re Ünity¨re -the same old talk again—-these people from Yerevan,Beirut(Zartonk newspaper editor),the other in Moscow,delegagte of Western armenian Congress or Council, and from yerevan, don´t recall name, are at it again.similar to the Symposium that convened in L.a. Nov.20 for ÚNITY¨ .I wrote yesterday on another web site(Armenian of course) that the Mountain bore a mouse_(Yev Sar@ dznec Moug”….instead of setting forth a Schemee, a theses, A porogramme, main issue is just that…Ho yertgas hayutyun?
And the interlocutor the Anchor man from Yerevan with his beautifull smile conducting this orchestration of Ünity¨talk. We certainly are a Multi-facet, Centrifugal lot/people!!
There was no nothing important or NEW presented.And the anchor man also threw in that the “Diaspora Ministry´has saluted this INITIATIVE…..
If you can call it that!!!!!I cannot expose my humble but very useful and non-offensive or eyeing to takle others´ so far organization.Quite the contrary I have in my Theses a Formulae that automatically those who are on the Armenian Int´l scene aare there..remain there,but this due to owing to their having obtained that `position by work done.If anyuone wishes to learn about it please address your queries/request to:-
gayzagpal@aol.com when I shall gladly oblige.
Hama Haigagani SIRO,
g.p
It is quite interesting. international law and UN 4 resolutions say that Nagorno Karabakh is the territory of Azerbaijan. that’s it. no more comment. Everything else is fairy tale. Even tomorrow If you would agree to give the occupied territories back, you can’t do it. you even could not recognize it. It is time for Armenian independence.