RICHARD GIRAGOSIAN: THE ATTACK OF OCTOBER 27 WAS A TEST OF DEMOCRACY ARMENIA SUCCESSFULLY PASSED
Anan Nazaryan

"Radiolur"
27.10.2009 16:06

During today’s special briefing at the Armenian Center of National
and International Studies (ACNIS) in commemoration of the tenth year
anniversary of the tragic attack on the Armenian parliament, Director
of the Center Richard Giragosian first offered to hold a minute of
silence for the victims of the tragedy, which was a tragedy not only
for political democracy in Armenia, but also a tragic loss of life
for much of the Armenian leadership.

According to Richard Giragosian, the tragic attack on parliament was a
test for Armenian democracy and stability, a test that Armenia passed.

"Unlike the tragedies of othe countries of the former Soviet Union,
such a terrorist act did not result in a civil war or an armed
violence. It is important to note that the most serious threat to
stability and security in Armenia, the attack on the Parliament in
1999, was successfully overcome. Armenia managed to move beyond the
constitutional crisis and the challenge to Armenian security and
stability," Ruchard Giragosian said.

Speaking about the Armenian-Turkish relations, the ACNIS Director
said "Turkish strategy seems to be geared toward consistently testing
Armenian resolve. It is testing Armenian reaction to see how strong
or how week the Armenian diplomacy is."

Richard Giragosian believes that the concept of "one nation, two
states" between Turkey and Azerbaijan has been strongly weakened, if
not completely removed. "Turkey has already lost Azerbaijan," he said.

As for the ratification of the protocols signed on October 10, the
Turkish Parliament will slow down their passage and implementation.

"It seems that the Turkish Parliament is planning to wait until
February or March. In other words, the strategy is about April 24th.

It’s about the coming 95th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. It’s
also playing into Turkish hands in terms of trying to maximize
diplomatic advantage and gain from playing and delaying parliamentary
passage," he said.

As for the Armenian Parliament, it is prudent and responsible. "It
demonstrated an impressive sense of intelligence. The Armenian
Parliament has decided to link the passage within the Armenian
National Assembly with the developments in Turkey. In other words,
the Armenian Parliament will not adopt the protocols until it is
clear that the Turkish Parliament will," Richard Giragosian said.