PRESS RELEASE
August 22, 2005
Embassy of the Republic of Armenia
2225 R Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20008
Tel: 202-319-1976, x. 348; Fax: 202-319-2982
Email: [email protected]; Web:
Ambassador Markarian’s Interview to the Armenian Mirror Spectator
The Armenian Mirror Spectator published an exclusive interview with
Ambassador of Armenia Tatoul Markarian in its August 13, 2005 issue. This
was the first interview granted by Ambassador Markarian to the
Armenian-American media. Following is the text of the interview.
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M-S: What is your biggest challenge in Washington? You have dealt with the
US government for a long time. Do you notice an improvement in relations or
a downward trend?
The biggest challenge, if it can be called so, is to further promote the
already excellent bilateral relations that are soundly based on shared
values and interests. Since the restoration of Armenia’s independence, the
United States extended significant political support and humanitarian
assistance to Armenia, helping Armenia to sustain an independent statehood
and implement democratic, legal, and economic reforms.
The cooperation between the United States and Armenia started immediately
after Armenia’s independence in 1991, and the scope and substance of our
relations continues to increase. The United States plays an important role
as a Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group, mediating the Nagorno Karabakh
conflict settlement. Armenia is a partner of the United States in the global
war against terrorism.
As you know, Armenia has been selected as a potential recipient of the
Millennium Challenge Account funds, which reflects the U.S. assessment of
Armenia’s economic and social conditions. The MCA funds and continued U.S.
assistance to Armenia will advance the objectives of poverty reduction and
promotion of economic growth.
U.S.-Armenian military and security cooperation expanded in the last three
years. So, the trend has been positive, and it will continue. Independently
of the currently high level, our priority is to work to further expand and
deepen our bilateral relations in all areas. We greatly value continued U.S.
assistance programs in Armenia and humanitarian assistance to Karabakh.
M-S: A large US delegation, including two senators, recently visited
Armenia. Also the US has opened a very large embassy there. Do you think the
US is
placing greater emphasis on Armenia in its foreign policy?
Mutual bilateral visits occur on regular basis. This year alone, in addition
to the visits to Armenia by Senators Norm Coleman and Chuck Hagel, Chairman
of the Armenian National Assembly and the Foreign and Defense Ministers of
Armenia will visit the United States. Such visits and institutionalized
meetings and consultations between the Governments of our countries, such as
U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force, U.S.-Armenia Strategic Dialog, Bilateral
Defense Consultations, provide a framework for dialog on bilateral
political, security, and economic cooperation.
As for the opening of the new U.S. Embassy building in Yerevan, which is
indeed one of the largest in the region, it is a testimony of the solid
basis and the enduring nature of our bilateral relations.
M-S: Do you see any movement on the Karabakh negotiations?
Active dialog on Nagorno Karabakh peace process is conducted on the level of
the Presidents and Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Foreign
Ministers meet periodically, and the Presidents have met during
international forums during the last two years.
Recently, there have been many public statements from parties, as well as
mediators. Issues of interest are being actively discussed. President
Kocharian will meet his Azeri counterpart during a CIS Heads of State summit
in Kazan, Russia in late August. This meeting is acclaimed as a potentially
important discussion of key aspects of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict
settlement. It is difficult to predict whether there will be a full
consensus soon. However, Armenia remains committed to an early, just, and
durable resolution of the conflict by peaceful means.
M-S: What can Armenian-Americans do to help Armenia more?
Armenian-Americans have contributed significantly to alleviating
humanitarian needs in Armenia and Artsakh, and are still implementing many
projects, such as building roads and schools etc. Such assistance projects
have been supported by individuals and organizations. The Lincy Foundation
has financed the restoration of Armenia’s road infrastructure and other
valuable projects. With participation of thousands of Armenian-Americans,
the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund completed the strategic Goris-Stepanakert
highway and is currently building the North-South Highway in Artsakh. Such
examples are many, and this assistance is greatly appreciated by the people
and the Government of Armenia.
At the same time, Armenia offers many economic opportunities for the
commercial involvement by the Armenian Americans. Most U.S. investment to
Armenia went into Armenia’s hospitality and IT industries, particularly
software manufacturing. Without underestimating the ongoing humanitarian and
social programs carried out in Armenia by the Diasporan individuals and
organizations, greater commercial involvement by Armenian-Americans will be
mutually beneficial and promote more open business environment in Armenia.
That is exactly what today’s Armenia needs most. Both the Homeland and the
Diaspora can benefit from this synergy.
M-S: What is the effect on Armenia of the start up of the Baku-Ceyhan
pipeline?
Armenia’s economy has followed its own path of development and is now more
efficient and diversified than those of its neighbors. We will continue to
implement economic and legal reforms to further improve the business
environment and stimulate domestic and foreign investment.
Armenia’s economic progress has been accomplished despite lack of
significant natural resources and under conditions of a blockade, which
fostered greater efficiency and more competitive economic environment.
Nevertheless, Armenia is part of the South Caucasus region and Armenia’s
vibrant economy will be able to benefit from regional wealth.
The challenge for the region is to ensure that the oil and transit revenues
are used efficiently and transparently. All too often in other countries the
oil wealth has been squandered and embezzled. In this regard, the
international community possesses the levers to ensure that the proceeds
from the Caspian oil are used constructively and do not threaten the peace
and stability in the region.
M-S: How will the transfer of Russian troops and military equipment from
Georgia to Gyumri affect Armenia-Russia relations and Armenia-US relations?
The issue of withdrawal of Russian military bases from Georgia is a matter
between Georgia and Russia. The transfer of military ammunition from the
Russian base in Georgia to the Russian military base in Armenia does not
violate any international agreement. This does not constitute a threat to a
third party and will not affect regional security. Moreover, this has in no
way affected our relations with the United States.
M-S: Recently, a historians’ conference scheduled by three universities in
Istanbul to deal with the Genocide was canceled by the Turkish government.
Nevertheless, there were a large handful of Turkish scholars ready and
willing to discuss the Genocide. Do you think this is a hopeful sign?
Armenia and the world follow these developments in Turkey with close
interest, as they show the true actions and intentions of the current
Turkish authorities. In my article in The Washington Times, I questioned the
sincerity and plausibility of Turkish Prime Minister Erdogan’s initiative
for a ‘joint study of history’ given the legal and other obstacles to the
free discussion and understanding of the Armenian Genocide in Turkey. The
threats from the Turkish government that led to the cancellation of this
conference of Turkish historians answered my question.
It is encouraging that some representatives of the Turkish society are
willing to discuss the contentious issues of Turkey’s past and present,
including the Armenian Genocide. It is all the more disappointing that the
Turkish government forced the conference to close simply because it could
not control the substance and outcome of the discussion. As a result, it
generated significant criticism from the West, since Turkish aspirations for
joining the EU cannot be taken seriously if Turkey is unable to internally
discuss and address all issues in an open and democratic manner.
M-S: Recent anti-smoking legislation was passed in Armenia. Studies have
shown that 22 percent of Armenian men die from smoke related disease. Do you
think
the Ministry of Health and the government will have the resources to enforce
the legislation and launch a public education campaign?
As the Armenian economy develops and civil society strengthens, the Armenian
citizens begin to think beyond the immediate, current needs. This includes
tackling issues related to quality of life, such as smoking, environment,
and food safety, among others. It is no coincidence that after some Armenian
NGO’s began to carry out anti-smoking and healthy lifestyle campaign the
National Assembly responded and passed this law. The passage of this law is
the first step, and will be followed by others. We have the example of other
foreign countries which have managed to reduce smoking dramatically within
one or two decades, and it can be done in Armenia as well.
(Reprinted from the Armenian Mirror Spectator, August 13, 2005, p. 1)