- Does the USA really see you as an alternative leader? In your opinion more you or Aram Sargsyan? Clarify the radicalism of the American moods.
- There is such an abundance of leaders in Armenia, that it could be enough for more than one Armenia. At least there are enough groups of considering that way, people fond of themselves in the public, social and political fields. There is an element of contradiction in your question, which I consider not right. I can talk about myself: I was in Washington by the International Visitor Leadership program of US Department of State within the scope of which leaders of 180 countries, governments and parliaments have visited the USA. As during the last 15 years it was the first similar visit of the NA Speaker to the USA, naturally it is a good occasion to thank the American authorities for properly organizing the visit. I can say that the meetings were held in an ambience of mutual interest, understanding and readiness to continue the cooperation. What refers to the mood of the USA, I can say the following: the USA expects from us consistent intensification of democratic reforms, constitutional and electoral reforms, purposeful corruption fighting, free and transparent elections, etc. It’s obvious that the little but gradually strengthening economic progress has to be accompanied by a policy of intensifying democratic reforms. We can say that in the USA there is not a radicalism of moods, but expectations. And these expectations are connected with key political events that take place in our country today and during the upcoming years: the constitutional referendum, organizing free new state elections in conformity with international criteria, etc.
- Will the USA assist in conducting a revolution in Armenia if the constitutional referendum fails or its results are rigged? In the last announcements of Ambassador Evans it seemed to be such observations.
- I have had the occasion to say that I am not guided by the “if-then.” Why do you consider as a starting point that the constitutional referendum will fail and the results will be rigged? Why don’t you take a better starting point that the constitutional referendum will take place and it will contribute to the intensification of democratic reforms in the country? It’s already obvious that the reforms are a step of progress, not only in our opinion, but also according to the international community and the American experts, who by the way, know Armenia and the contents of the constitutional reforms by heart. Now about revolutions: each revolution in the country is conducted with the argumentation of making reforms. I am for the real reforms, not for revolutions. All those who are against those real reforms, they give birth to these revolutions.
I am not familiarized with that observation of Ambassador Evans, but I don’t think that there are any latent observations, as the speeches of the Ambassador have been clear and comprehensible for me up to this day. Now about the USA: I am convinced that the USA wants to see democracy in Armenia with its predictable developments. Judging from all the meetings I have had in Washington and New York I can say that the USA is interested in the development of democracy in Armenia and in the region and in the strengthening of peace in the region. On the way of working together for strengthening democracy, cooperation and peace in the country and in the region we are allies. Eventually, democracy is equal to peace as it is the shortest and most efficient way to anticipate terrorism, war, poverty and other challenges, and not only in our complicated region, but in the whole world.
- To your opinion, what developments are possible if the constitutional referendum fails? It is possible for the Parliament to become a scapegoat, which is accented today as the responsible for the constitutional amendments.
- There have been different opinions and hypotheses in the media about the failure of the referendum, the search and appointment of scapegoats. I don’t think that they are more than opinions and hypotheses. Democracy supposes a multitude of opinions and I don’t see any danger in such suppositions. After 1988 our nation has experienced so much that we have gained enough legal, political and historical knowledge in order to be correctly oriented. I can tell you what developments are possible if the referendum doesn’t fail. The National Assembly will initiate the legislative amendments that are envisaged by the constitutional amendments, there will be new chances of development for the country. A priori, the referendum will not fail or succeed itself. Those people who will go to say their “yes” or “no,” they are going to decide. You know, acts always speak louder than merely words: then let’s prove together with all the interested forces, that it is possible to make these reforms in Armenia. The Parliament does not have the chance to become a scapegoat. It’s the choice of the citizens of the Republic of Armenia: to be led by the new or by the old Constitution. And in this case the Parliament is only the link, which has discussed and adapted these amendments to European standard with the help of international structures. And more than that there is no other body to do it. So, a legislative power, which has seven political groups and factions doesn’t have the chance to become or to make a scapegoat. I am against conducting a referendum with violations. We have to respect the right of people to make a choice.
Before you left for the USA, you were talked about as an apologist of European values and Europe oriented political actor. Now it seems that the emphasis has changed and you have become the apologist of American values. Why?
- American values plus American values means western values. This is the way in the civilized world, so there is no need to oppose my European orientation to the American moods. I come out with the implantation of western values in Armenia, deepening of European Integration and with the wish to see our country and region in the united European family.
- Then how about Russia? According to you, what are the role and the significance of Russia for our country?
- This is the case when we have to not group our relations. What value system we prefer for our country, this is another issue. Russia is an allied country and a partner for Armenia. The thing is in what geopolitical unit will Armenia be included? Will it be in the European Union, as a full member of the European family giving a jerk to the deepening of European Integration, or will it become a third member of the union Russia-Belarus. I think we have to develop bilateral relations with Russia with the perspective of being in the united European family, and not in the three of Russia-Belarus-Armenia, as today are trying to do different political forces and actors.
- As the Speaker of NA are you ready to confront what the opposition is going to do in the NA chamber, that is to prove, that the coalition is working only for solving its problems?
- Of course, we are ready, and each political force can present its viewpoint. They say the blinds don’t need a mirror. Today it’s evident that there are a lot of positive changes in Armenia, but there are also a lot of injustices, so there are good things and bad things, and the politics of separating the white from the black is unacceptable. It is necessary to accept the healthy criticism, but also to evaluate correctly the good things.
- Mr. Baghdasaryan, the third convocation of NA is characterized by its energetic activity in the international sphere. What is the aim?
- Recently the inter-parliamentary links have really been activated which is very important for solving the problems that Armenia faces. The inter-parliamentary friendship groups and links with the parliaments of other countries have increased twice. It is very important because when we discuss issues connected with Armenia in the international structures, we will have mechanisms to work with these countries and form pro-Armenian positions when solving problems that bother our country and our people. The 15th anniversary of the parliaments is a good occasion for deepening these relations (more than 80 delegates are invited), strengthening the friendship and talking about forming parliamentary relations in Armenia, because today the role of parliamentary diplomacy increases and we have to make the parliamentary democracy available inside and outside the country. We have to implement an active policy of initiative. I have had the occasion to say that in the capitals of the world people do not think about the problems of Armenia from morning till evening. We are a small country and we have to pursue an active initiatory policy so we can solve the problems that our country faces.When regional problems or the Karabakh problem is discussed, in order to find right solutions and positions for these problems it is very important to have strong political links with parliaments of different countries and delegations in the international organizations. Yes, this year there have been twice as more speakers of parliaments in Armenia than during the last 13 years, and this is not a chance, but the result of active and consistent work.
Margarit Yesayan
