NOT MUCH TO CELEBRATE ABOUT ON ARMENIA’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY – POLITICAL ANALYST

news.am
Sept 19 2011
Armenia

YEREVAN. – We do not have much to celebrate about 20 years after
Armenia’s independence, Regional Studies Center Director and political
analyst Richard Giragosian said during a press conference on Monday.

According to Giragosian, today Armenia has emigration, the earthquake
aftermath is not eliminated, and the country does not have a
stable economic system. “Despite certain accomplishments, including
Nagorno-Karabakh and the victory in war against Azerbaijan, we have
2 shortcomings: We should not base ourselves on our former success
and joy, but rather on the present-day activities of our government
and army,” Giragosian noted.

As shortcomings, Giragosian also emphasized the absence of political
reforms and democracy. As per the analyst, corruption is a serious
problem in the country, and the Armenian government is unable to find
effective mechanisms.

Giragosian also expressed astonishment for the presence of a Russian
military base in Armenia, saying: “Armenia is one of those unique-if
not, the only-countries which has a foreign military base in its
territory but receives no payment in return.”

And reflecting on Armenia’s Independence Day, Richard Giragosian stated
this day needs to be “everyone’s anniversary, and not just of those
who drive around the city with large cars and special license plates.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress