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Markarian: The ARF Loves Armenia More Than it Loves Itself

 

‘The ARF was Established for Armenia and the Armenian People—Not to Give Power to Members of the ARF’

YEREVAN (A.W.)— On Feb. 11, Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau chair Hrant Markarian discussed Armenia’s upcoming parliamentary elections, the role of the ARF in Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as several other issues during an interview on Armenian Public Television’s “Orakargits Durs.”

Hrant Markarian (Photo: Armenian Public Television)

Markarian, without providing any further detail, confirmed that the leader of the ARF parliamentary faction and head of the party’s political affairs Armen Rustamyan will be heading the ARF’s election list for April’s parliamentary elections.

During the interview, Markarian stressed that the coalition that was established last year between the ARF and the ruling Republican Party (RPA) brought a sense of hope to the Armenian people. He added that since the coalition, changes like the decrease in gas and electricity prices as well as economic initiatives for the middle class, have gradually taken shape with the participation of the ARF.

He expressed his concerns for the upcoming election list and said that no one has a right to be worried only about themselves during a such a volatile period for Armenians, stressing that war in Nagorno Karabagh (NKR/Artsakh) could begin at any time, especially given the current unclear circumstances.

“The safety and security of Armenia is more important than the success of our political parties and our personal interests,” said Markarian. “At the end of the day, we are entering politics and joining political parties for the success of Armenia.”

In the case of war, Markarian said that Armenian political parties have to be responsible not to cause any additional problems or threats to the Armenian people.  When asked what the ARF has to offer, Markarian said, “We have an ideology, an agenda, and history.” Markarian added that the ARF has been the party who has been consistent with their views since the founding of the modern Republic of Armenia. “We are the only political party with established views. For example, regarding economics,” said Markarian.

Markarian discussed how after paying close attention to past elections, he has noticed that most parties state the same thing and only list the several problems that the country is experiencing. However, according to him, their views and positions on various subjects are never clearly explained. “We are and have been an open book for the Armenian people for the last 26 years. We must use these elections to show why the ARF stands out compared to the other parties,” said Markarian.

Addressing the cooperation with the RPA, Markarian explained that the relationship between the parties was long term and that it may continue after elections. “It is through this type of agenda that we will be able to instill change within the country,” he said.

During the interview on Armenian Public Television (Photo: Armenian Public Television)

Markarian also provided the ARF’s views on Artsakh and how the issue will only progress once the independence of NKR is recognized by Azerbaijan. He added that retreating is not an option and that the Armenian people must struggle and keep fighting to ensure success.

In regards to the Diaspora, Markarian explained how members of the ARF from the diaspora want to be in Armenia and to participate in the everyday life and development of the country. According to Markarian, all ARF members are loyal followers of the party’s beliefs and ideology, regardless of where they live.

“The ARF was established for Armenia and the Armenian people—not to give power to members of the ARF,” said Markarian. “Our first priority will always be Armenia and the Armenian people… We love Armenia more than we love ourselves,” he added.

Markarian concluded the interview referring to the hope that was created by the government in the last few months and some of the changes that it has brought about in the country. He then reminded the interviewer that the ARF does not have any enemies within Armenia, and only has enemies “across the border.”

 

6 Comments (Open | Close)

6 Comments To "Markarian: The ARF Loves Armenia More Than it Loves Itself"

#1 Comment By Robert Davidian On February 14, 2017 @ 4:00 pm

This is like a Saturday Night Live interview!! From beginning to end, it’s laughable!

“We must use these elections to show why the ARF stands out compared to the other parties,” said Markarian.

Let me help you, Markarian… The ARF stands out compared to other parties because it is the ONLY PARTY to proudly and loudly shake hands and be complicit with the criminal regime, enable them, embolden them, but then remain silent as they horrifically abuse Armenia’s citizens by stealing everything they can get their hands on, including BILLION$$ and HUMAN + CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS to the point of creating a population of POLITICAL PRISONERS! And, how can ANYBODY believe a word you say when just before the recent constitutional referendum, the ARF proudly and frequently announced that if there was any fraud, they would speak LOUDLY against it! What happened…? The whole world saw the massive fraud by the desperate RPA but the ARF sheepishly remained silent!!! Everyone expects the same actions from you after this fraudulent election in April!

I hope that showed why the ARF stands out.

#2 Comment By garo On February 14, 2017 @ 6:00 pm

If you have been to Armenia, then you will know the immense problems the nation faces, many of these problems are because of the corrupt regime, that has stolen 2 elections, imprisoned opposition activists, are endangering the countries defences and future because of the extremely high unemployment rate and poverty rate (over 30 percent of the population) leading to over 1 million people leaving the country. How the ARF can stand side by side with these corrupt people is an utter disgrace.

#3 Comment By Armen Vartany On February 14, 2017 @ 6:10 pm

I will never forgive the ARF for supporting Serge Sarkissian’s constitutional changes and then joining Sarkissians government of corrupt thugs and criminals. Is that the “love” Markarian is talking about.

#4 Comment By Chuck Coloian On February 15, 2017 @ 10:35 am

Regrettably,I am not too clear on Mr. Markarian’s ARF Party’s platform. Is he for small or large government administration? Is he for more local control or Yerevan control? Is he for low tax base or higher taxation? Dose encourage war with Azerbaijan or does he have a solution for peace. To strengthen his candidacy these questions should be answered.

#5 Comment By MK On February 16, 2017 @ 6:49 pm

When the ARF is in bed with a corrupt and criminal regime who have the blood of ten innocent Armenians on their way to power in a fraudulent election Markarian’s statement is nothing but a load of spin to put it mildly. ARF Armenia is as bad as the ruling RPA party which has been totally discredited them in the eyes of the public,there needs to be radical changes at the top ARF leadership or else the future of ARF Armenian chapter is very gloomy.

Markarian can fool himself and the his yes man round him but not the public at large he is yesterday’s man and needs to move on.

#6 Comment By Raffi On February 18, 2017 @ 8:15 am

All valid comments below.His interview belongs in the garbage bin.When the ARF is in bed with a corrupt and criminal regime who have the blood of ten innocent Armenians on their way to power in a fraudulent election Markarian’s lamentable statement that ARF loves Armenia more than ARF its nothing but a load of rubbish to put it mildly. ARF Armenia is as bad as the ruling RPA party which has been totally discredited in the eyes of the public,there needs to be radical changes at the top of the ARF leadership or else the future of ARF is very gloomy. Markarian can fool himself with yes man round him but not the public at large as he is yesterday’s man and needs to move on or must be pushed out. He loves his manipulated position more than anything else.So much for ARF’s broken values & Christian beliefs which has become so bankrupt over the recent years. ARF has moved away from its core values & principles and has become a party which values only money.