AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH ARMENIAN PRESIDENT-ELECT SERJ SARKISJAN.
by Daria Yurieva
What the Papers Say
March 11, 2008 Tuesday
Russia
Question: A few words on the Armenian-Russian relations, please?
Serj Sarkisjan: I’m glad that our trade turnover has been steadily
increasing for the last 5-7 years. Russia is the principal investor
in Armenian economy. Russian capitals account for a dollar out of
every three invested in Armenia. Moreover, I have reasons to believe
that Russian businesses are quite comfortable in Armenia.
Where political relations between our countries are concerned,
I can only compliment them. They constitute strategic partnership,
and this state of affairs is quite beneficial for our countries.
As for their shortcomings, I’d say that there is a certain potential
in development of the Armenian-Russian relations in the spheres of
education and culture, for example, that has remained largely untapped
so far.
Question: Your opinion of the prospects of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
settlement?
Serj Sarkisjan: I have always believed that the problem of
Nagorno-Karabakh may have only one solution, a peaceful solution based
on mutual compromises. Reasonable compromises, actually. As a matter
of fact, my views on the matter were first formulated fifteen years
ago and they have remained unchanged ever since. I elaborated on this
issue in the course of the presidential campaign, and the outcome of
the vote plainly shows that Armenian society shares these views.
Paradoxical as it may sound, I’m convinced that Azerbaijan should
recognize the Nagorno-Karabakh people’s right to self-determination
and Armenia should recognize Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. One
might say that these are mutually exclusive approaches, but that’s
only at first sight. I’m sure that a mutually acceptable compromise
will only be found on this basis.
Question: Do you view recognition of Kosovo as a sovereign state as
a precedent for Nagorno-Karabakh?
Serj Sarkisjan: No, we do not think that Kosovo may serve as a
precedent for Nagorno-Karabakh. We are convinced that every conflict
has its own roots, its own development, and its own solutions. All
the same, we applaud every episode whenever a people anywhere in the
world exercises its right to self-determination.
Question: There have been no diplomatic relations between Armenia
and Turkey for years. What does it take to establish them?
Serj Sarkisjan: We are ready for it. We do not put forth any demands
for their establishment. Turkey does. It’s up to Ankara therefore.
Question: Why is recognition of genocide of the Armenians in the
Ottoman Empire so important for Yerevan?
Serj Sarkisjan: Because tragedies or traumas like that are never
forgotten. And by the way, it is not Armenia that brings the matter
up again and again for discussion in foreign countries. It is the
Armenians living there, citizens of these countries.
Question: Do you accept the premise that the disturbances in Yerevan
not long ago were essentially another try at a color revolution,
this one in Armenia?
Serj Sarkisjan: It is not impossible. On the other hand, this effort
was doomed to failure in any event. Color revolutions succeeded
in some other countries, but their organizers failed to take into
account certain factors that exist in Armenia. First, the Armenian
authorities have society’s trust. Second, most Armenians stand for
evolutionary development and do not want the erstwhile elite in the
corridors of power again.
Question: Political scientists call you a "pro-Armenian" politician?
Do you accept this definition?
Serj Sarkisjan: Sure. My whole career in politics plainly shows that
Armenian statehood, economic development, and national security are
all I care about. As president, I intend to do everything it takes
to make Armenia a strong democracy with free enterprise and human
rights and civil freedoms observed.