ARMENIA NOT TO MAKE CONCESSIONS UNDER THREAT
VASAK TARPOSHYAN

Hayots Ashkhar Daily
Published on April 05, 2008

After 2 years of major repairs, the central office of
`Ardshininvestbank’ was opened yesterday, in the former building of the
Mayor’s Office of Yerevan. Attaching importance to the event, the
President and the Prime Minister of the Republic were present at the
opening ceremony. Profiting by the occasion, the journalists addressed
some questions to President ROBERT KOCHARYAN.

`Mr. President, how will you comment on E. Mamedyarov’s recent
statement on proceeding with the Karabakh settlement talks?’

`It’s obvious that Azerbaijan recently tried to take advantage of
Armenia’s internal political situation with the purpose of influencing
the negotiation process. This should oblige the Armenian side to be
much more determined in fundamental issues. And certainly, no
concessions or changes must be made as much as the approaches are
concerned. On the contrary, it is necessary take a tougher stance in
such cases.

We should at least realize that Armenia’s stability, paces of
development and strength are the best guarantees for having firm
positions with regard to the Karabakh issue.’

`What are you going to do after April 9? What position are you going to
occupy?’

`Does the pretext of your question imply that I have to occupy some
position by all means? I guess this is the style of radio station
`Liberty’. I have no desire to tell you and especially radio station
`Liberty’ what I am going to do. I have more respect for the activity
of those Armenian media which care about their problems and are not
funded by other governments. I have decided not to answer you because
what you do is aimed at undermining the foundations of the Armenian
statehood. I cannot have a positive attitude towards that.’

`Do you follow the process of the investigation launched in connection
with the March 1 events?’

`They report me on the process every week. Twenty cases have been sent
to the court. The process is under way. Today, it is already obvious
that the disorders bore an organized nature. The major part of the
events has been restored by every hour and minute. And the people who
are trying to speculate the issue of the political detainees will be
greatly disappointed during the court hearings when they familiarize
themselves with the actual materials which are being collected by the
investigative group and which will be included in the indictment.

I repeat, they will be greatly disappointed because they will see what
kind of people they tried to protect.’

`On what grounds did you remove Manvel Grigoryan from office?’

`His holiday finished on March 1, and on March 2 he was removed. I also
have his written notice. But, of course, the removal should be viewed
in the whole context.’

`What can you briefly say about the economy you are going to hand over
to Serge Sargsyan?’

`If we view the issue based on the indices of last year, we can say
that the economy is in a state of sustainable development. During the
month of March, there was a certain fall in terms of the volumes of
trade which, I think, is natural, considering the internal political
situation. But obviously, all that is possible to overcome, and I have
no doubt that we have the opportunity to finish the year with serious
indices.

There is one factor that should be considered: the international
economy records decline in all the spheres. This may produce a certain
impact on the paces of the development of Armenia’s economy. But I am
sure that even in this case it is possible to conduct such a policy and
find such solutions that will make it possible avoid the negative
impact resulting from the fall of the international economy.

Such crises and political tensions usually produce a more serious
impact on those countries where the stock market is developed and from
where it is much easier to get away. The stock market in Armenia is
underdeveloped; there is, actually, no capital market. The investments
have been mainly made in the real sector of economy. And these are the
investments which have neither a place nor a desire for getting away.
For instance, where should this bank move? There is no such hazard in
Armenia.’

`Is it possible for the internal political situation to abate as a
result of extraordinary parliamentary elections?’

`The most illogical idea I heard with regard to those questions was the
idea of extraordinary parliamentary elections. Extraordinary elections
are held in case the parliament doesn’t work and is unable to form a
government or pass laws. See how effective the activity of our
parliament is. There are very few parliaments of the kind.

Why should new elections be held? If we are guided by such logic, each
election should be immediately followed by a new one. I don’t think any
election may bring about the abatement of the political situation in
Armenia. On the contrary, each new election gives rise to a new
tension.’