G8 FOREIGN MINISTERS’ MEETING IN MOSCOW – CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT
Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, Moscow
30 Jun 06
Chairman’s statement
G8 foreign ministers met in Moscow on 29 June 2006 to discuss a
range of global and regional issues of primary importance to the
international community.
The meeting focussed on Iran’s nuclear programme and on the Middle
East peace process. We exchanged views on issues of post-conflict
stabilization and reconstruction, strengthening peacekeeping capacity
in Africa, G8 partnership with the BMENA [Broader Middle East and North
Africa] region, as well as discussed recent developments in Iraq,
Afghanistan, Western Balkans/Kosovo, Sudan/Darfur, Northern Uganda,
East Timor, Haiti.
Iran
We reiterate our commitment to a diplomatic solution to the Iranian
nuclear issue, which remains a source of international concern,
as highlighted by the resolutions of the IAEA [International Atomic
Energy Agency] Board of Governors and the presidential statement of
the UN Security Council.
We endorse the Vienna Declaration as delivered by [British] Foreign
Secretary Margaret Beckett on 1 June. The Vienna meeting of the
“six” resulted in far reaching proposals agreed by the foreign
ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia, the United Kingdom,
the United States and High Representative of the European Union for
a long-term comprehensive agreement with Iran based on mutual respect
and the establishment of international confidence in the exclusively
peaceful nature of Iran’s nuclear programme. An agreement of this sort
would allow the Iranian people to enjoy the benefits of modern civil
nuclear power and would bring Iran many other long-term political
and economic advantages.
We are disappointed in the absence of an official Iranian response
to this positive proposal. We expect to hear a clear and substantive
Iranian response to these proposals at the planned meeting of Javier
Solana, the high representative of the European Union, and Dr Ali
Larijani, the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council,
on 5 July and to bring these discussions to a rapid conclusion.
We understand that foreign ministers of China, France, Germany, Russia,
the United Kingdom, the United States and the high representative of
the European Union will assess the situation before mid-July.
Counterterrorism and narcotics
We considered the draft G8 Declaration on Counterterrorism with
the annexed G8 Statement on Strengthening the UN’s Counterterrorism
Programme and endorsed its submission for consideration by the G8
leaders at the St Petersburg summit. We welcomed the results of the
International Ministerial Conference on Drug Trafficking Routes from
Afghanistan that took place on 26-28 June 2006 in Moscow.
Middle East
We reiterated our commitment to a negotiated, comprehensive, just and
lasting settlement in the Middle East. The G8 common goal remains the
creation of a viable, democratic and sovereign Israel and Palestine
living in peace and security side-by-side within internationally
recognized borders.
The foreign ministers acknowledge the democratic, fair and free
parliamentary elections in the Palestinian territories in January
2006. We call on the government of the Palestinian [National]
Authority to commit itself to the principles of nonviolence,
recognition of the right of Israel to exist, and acceptance of the
previous Israeli/Palestinian agreements consistent with the Quartet
statements as of 30 January, 9 May, and 17 June 2006.
We welcomed Prime Minister [Ehud] Olmert’s and President [Mahmud]
Abbas’ pledge to negotiations and urge both parties to avoid
unilateral measures which prejudice the final status of the Palestinian
territories.
We call on the Palestinian government to bring terrorist violence to
an end and to take immediate measures to liberate the abducted Israeli
soldier. We condemn the extremist groups responsible for these acts
and all those who jeopardize the prospects for peace.
We call on Israel to exercise utmost restraint in the current
crisis. The detention of elected members of the Palestinian government
and legislature raises particular concerns.
We call upon all parties to protect all civilians and not to add to
their suffering. We urge them to assume their full responsibility to
restore security, allowing for the resumption of the peace process
and for returning to the road map.
Concerns were expressed over the severe humanitarian situation in the
Palestinian territories. We reiterated firm commitment to continue
providing assistance to the Palestinian people. The foreign ministers
expressed support for the temporary international mechanism and in
this regard noted the Quartet statement of 17 June, which endorsed
this mechanism, and encourage other donors, including other countries,
to consider early and substantial contributions.
We agreed that movement and access are key, and in this regard we call
on both parties to fully implement the Movement and Access Agreement
of 15 November 2005.
Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their support for the restoration of the
Israeli/Palestinian political dialogue in the spirit of the road map
and based on the UNSC Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1515.
Western Balkans
We reaffirmed that the Contact Group remains actively involved in the
Kosovo future status process with UNSC Resolution 1244, the guiding
principles and the 31 January London ministerial statement being the
basis of its activities. We expressed our support for the efforts of
the special envoy of the UN secretary-general, Mr.Martti Ahtisaari,
which are within the scope of the abovementioned documents.
We welcomed the launch of direct BelgradePristina talks and in this
regard we urge the parties, including the Kosovo Serbs, to negotiate in
good faith and make every effort to reach a negotiated agreement. We
underlined that Kosovo must remain multiethnic. The Kosovo leadership
should pay particular attention to implementing the standards for
national minorities defined by the international community.
We note that the UN Security Council remains actively engaged in
the matter.
We also agreed on the necessity for Bosnia and Hercegovina to continue
constitutional reforms.
Korean Peninsula
Foreign Ministers reiterated the G8 commitment to the denuclearisation
of the Korean peninsula, and expressed full support for the six party
talks. We urge North Korea to promptly return to the talks without
preconditions and to cooperate in implementing the joint statement of
19 September 2005 in good faith. We also discussed other security and
humanitarian issues, including abductions, in North Korea, and urge
the DPRK to address these concerns of the international community,
and to respect existing security commitments.
African peacekeeping capacity building
The foreign ministers noted the report on strengthening Africa
peacekeeping capacity, agreed upon at the meeting of the G8 officials
and those from other key donor partners held in Moscow on 8 June 2006,
and reaffirmed previous G8 commitments in support of the efforts of the
African states to build a peaceful and stable Africa. We acknowledged
progressive implementation of decisions taken at the Sea-Island
and Gleneagles summits. The G8 has been consistently increasing
its contribution to the African peacekeeping capacity building,
including through provision of coordinated technical assistance to
the creation of African Stand-by Force as well as through setting
up and making functional national peacekeeping training capacities
regional training centres for African peacekeepers both in Africa
and in other parts of the world (including the Centre of Excellence
for Stability Police Units) in Vicenza, Italy.
We noted the steps taken so far bring us closer to the implementation
of the Sea-Island commitments to train and equip about 75,000
peacekeepers mainly from Africa. We acknowledged the need to enhance
African logistics capacity, including through provision of equipment,
equipment depots and support for a transport and logistics arrangement.
Cooperation and future action in stabilization and reconstruction
The foreign ministers discussed the draft G8 declaration of Cooperation
and Future Action in Stabilization and Reconstruction, proposed by
the United States. We agreed that the rapidly changing international
environment and evolution of new threats and challenges demands more
agile, adaptable responses from the international community. We
underlined that the UN and its Security Council as well as the
newly established peacebuilding commission are primary players in
international peacekeeping and S&R operations. We welcomed the US
Initiative and will remain involved in the matter.
BMENA
The foreign ministers reiterated the G8 adherence to the comprehensive
partnership with BMENA with a view to promoting peace, stability,
freedom and democracy for all the peoples and nations in the region
in accordance with the commitments made at the Sea-Island and in
Gleneagles.
We agreed that the basis of our cooperation with the BMENA countries
peer-to-peer dialogue in the spirit of mutual respect for the cultural
and religious peculiarities, social patterns and traditions.
The foreign ministers welcomed the commitments on modernization
and reform made at the Arab League summits in Tunisia, Algeria and
Khartoum, as well as recognized the role of the “Forum for the Future”
as the central mechanism for sustaining the dialogue between the G8
and the BMENA region.
Iraq
The foreign ministers reiterated the G8 commitment to Iraq’s
independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We expressed
the G8 support for the permanent Iraqi government, commend its
reconciliation initiative and urge it to continue active efforts
towards achieving national accord, which is critical for improvement
of domestic political situation, strengthening the public order and
security, as well as for Iraq’s sustained socio-economic development.
We call on the international community, in particular the UN,
international financial institutions, Iraq’s neighbours and regional
governments to respond to this new era in Iraq’s development by
offering broad support for Iraq’s new government and its people
including in responding to the Iraqi government’s proposal for an
International Compact.
The foreign ministers strongly condemned the barbarian killing of the
five members of the Russian embassy to Iraq and demanded capture and
fair punishment for the culprits of this villainy. This tragic event
underlines the importance of improving security for all in Iraq.
Afghanistan
The foreign ministers welcomed the successful holding of National
Assembly and Provincial Council elections and formation of a new
government, and underlined the G8 support for effective implementation
of the commitments made by the international community and the
Afghan government within the framework of the London Conference
on Afghanistan, including the Afghanistan Compact, and taking into
account that more responsibility for providing security, political and
socio-economic recovery falls on the Afghan government. Afghanistan
can be fully confident that the G8 will continue providing all-round
support and assistance to its formation of peaceful, independent and
prosperous state, without Taleban heritage, terrorism and narcotics.
We welcomed ISAF’s [International Security Assistance Force] expansion
southward, to deal with ongoing security challenges, and call on
regional states to contribute constructively. We also expressed support
for the UN’s continued role, including more robust monitoring and
coordination. We condemn attacks by Taleban and al-Qa’idah terrorists
on innocent civilians, Afghan forces and officials and international
military and civilian personnel. The foreign ministers reiterated the
G8 commitment to helping Afghanistan with governance, human rights
and the rule of law.
Sudan
The foreign ministers expressed support for the peacebuilding process
in Sudan on the basis of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, political
settlement of the conflict in Darfur and negotiated solution to other
problems in Sudan.
We stressed the need to provide assistance to Sudan in order to
ensure its post-conflict recovery and improvement of the humanitarian
situation in the country, and in this regard we call on donors to
fully implement their commitments made at the conferences in Oslo
(April 2005) and in Paris (March 2006).
We welcomed the Abuja Agreement of 5 May 2006 as the basis for
political settlement in Darfur. We also stressed the importance to
ensure a sustainable peace in the region, and to this end we call
on all parties to implement this agreement, including ending all
atrocities, and urge all forces and groups operating in Darfur to
join fully in its implementation. The foreign ministers underlined
the need for the international community to provide additional support
to the AU to enable it to fulfil its responsibilities under Abuja. In
view of the last decision adopted by the AU Peace and Security Council
and the recent UNSC Resolution 1679, we committed to do our utmost to
implement these steps aimed at transforming the mandate of the AMIS
[African Union Mission in Sudan] to the UN-led peace-keeping operation
in Darfur. We welcomed the joint AU/UN Technical Assessment Mission
in Darfur. We call upon the Sudanese government to cooperate. We also
call on the governments in Chad and Sudan to prevent clashes in the
border districts, provide for the protection of the refugee camps in
Chad, maintain good neighbourly relations and resolve emerging issues
through dialogue and cooperation.
The foreign ministers expressed support for the negotiation process
between the Sudanese government and “Eastern Front” aimed at a
comprehensive political settlement in Eastern Sudan.
Nagornyy Karabakh settlement
The foreign ministers affirmed the support of the G8 for the mediation
efforts of the co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Russia, United
States, France).
We emphasized the need for the soonest agreement on basic principles of
a peaceful settlement of the conflict to be reached still in 2006. We
call on Azerbaijan and Armenia to show political will with the aim
to reach an agreement this year and prepare their peoples for peace
and not for war.
Northern Uganda
Concerns were expressed over the current situation in Northern Uganda,
its serious humanitarian consequences. The foreign ministers welcomed
the steps taken by the government of Uganda to improve the situation,
including the recent creation of the Joint Monitoring Committee and
cooperation with the governments of the neighbouring DRC [Democratic
Republic of Congo] and Sudan in tackling the criminal acts of the
Lord’s Resistance Army, and put an end to the humanitarian crisis in
Northern Uganda. We call on the international community, including
the UN, to intensify efforts in providing support to overcome
humanitarian problems, including assistance to the implementation
of the government’s programme of resettlement of IDPs [internally
displaced persons] and to DDR (disarmament, demobilisation and
reintegration).
Haiti
The foreign ministers discussed the situation in Haiti, noted certain
improvements after presidential elections, as well as expressed concern
about the persisting difficult humanitarian situation and security
environment. We reiterated the G8 support for the UN Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) including its renewed and strengthened
mandate and reaffirmed that long-term international commitment is
required. We urge the international community to support the pledging
conference on 25 July in Haiti.
East Timor
The foreign ministers discussed the situation in East Timor, expressed
their concerns and emphasized the need to help the government of East
Timor to restore stability, law and order in the country. In this
regard we note the significant contribution and the quick response
by Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia and Portugal. The International
community should expeditiously respond to the flash appeal of OCHA
[Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs] issued on 12
June 2006. We emphasized a major constructive role of the United
Nations Office in Timor Leste (UNOTIL).
Other issues
There was a discussion on the issues related to Abkhazia, South
Ossetia, the Dniester region and Belarus, raised by some of the
ministers.
We also discussed UN embargoes violations through illicit air transport
of SALW [Small Arms and Light Weapons].

KOCHARYAN CONGRATULATES NATION ON CONSTITUTION DAY
ARKA News Agency, Armenia
July 6 2006
YEREVAN, July 5. /ARKA/. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan
congratulated the nation on Constitution Day on Wednesday. In his
national address, Kocharyan said that the Constitution “reflects our
people choice and goals”.
The head of state stressed the role the Constitution plays in the
process of building democracy in the country saying “our progress is
directly connected with rigorous observation of the Constitution”.
In his words, the Constitution amended in 2005 paves the way for the
country and people comprehensive development, makes the republic
authorities’ activity more balanced and human rights protection
system stronger.
Kocharyan is convinced that this amended Constitution will serve also
future generations.
On June 5, 2006, Armenians mark the 11th anniversary of the
Constitution adoption. Being a member of Council of Europe since 2001
and complying with CE demands, Armenia amended its Constitution after
conducting nationwide constitutional referendum on November 27, 2005.

WHICH PARTY WILL RA MINISTER DAVID HARUTYUNYAN JOIN?
ArmRadio.am
06.07.2006 16:08
During the talk with journalists at the National Assembly today RA
Minister of Justice David Harutyunyan did not rule out that he may
join some party.
“One thing is for sure: I will stay in politics, which is not
restricted to being represented in the National Assembly or becoming
President,” he said, not willing to publicize which party he will
join. The Minister had declared earlier that he has no intention
to join any party. However, following the developments, has decided
“which kind of future is more attractive to him.”
“I have ideas on different questions and I cannot resolutely assert
that my interests are restricted to the sphere of justice,” David
Harutyunyan noted.
In his opinion, there should be no independent MPs and Ministers,
not representing the policy of some Party.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

THE QUESTION OF DECLARING GENERAL PARDON DISCUSSED AT NA EXTRAORDINARY SESSION
ArmRadio.am
06.07.2006 16:27
An extraordinary session started today at the National Assembly. Among
other issues is RA President’s suggestion on adopting a bill on
“Declaring amnesty.” To remind, the last general pardon was declared
in 2001, on the occasion of the 1700th anniversary of adopting
Christianity. The project to be presented to NA discussion envisages
declaration of amnesty on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of
declaration of independence of the Republic of Armenia.
RA Minister of Justice David Harutyunyan told the journalists that
in case of adoption of the draft, 300 prisoners will be released,
detention periods of a number of periods will be reduced.
According to the President, the general pardon will not apply the
prisoners, who committed particularly heavy crimes.
From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress

RUSSIAN INTERIOR MINISTER SATISFIED WITH JOINT EXERCISES IN ARMENIA
ITAR-TASS news agency, Moscow
30 Jun 06
Tsakhkadzor, Armenia, 29 June: Russian Interior Minister Rashid
Nurgaliyev is satisfied with the results of the anti-terrorist
exercises of the special purpose troops of the Russian Interior
Ministry and the Armenian Police that were held at the Tsakhkadzor
mountain resort today. During the manoeuvres, that had four stages,
members of the Rus unit of the special purpose troops of the Russian
Interior Ministry and their Armenian colleagues have practised joint
actions to repulse an attack of armed criminals on a motorcade carrying
an important person, release hostages and detain armed bandits.
“These exercises are aimed first of all against international terrorism
and extremist groups,” Nurgaliyev said. He arrived in Yerevan for a
meeting of the joint board of the Russian Interior Ministry and the
Armenian Police. The exercises “showed that the special forces of
our countries need coordinated actions during special operations,”
Nurgaliyev said.
He said that new methods of special operations had been practised
in the exercises for the first time. He went on to add that these
methods had been used to release “hostages kept by terrorists in a
building and detain armed criminals and release hostages kept in a
car”. “Fast and coordinated actions are being practised during such
exercises. Each of the four operations was carried out within five
to seven seconds,” the Russian minister said.
The Chief of the Armenian Police, Col-Gen Ayk Arutyunyan, praised the
exercises. “The exercises were well-organized and well-coordinated,”
he said.
Nurgaliyev and Arutyunyan presented awards to members of the special
troops.
The next time joint exercises will be held in Russia. “The next time
exercises may be held in Rostov-on-Don where join actions will be
practise,” Nurgaliyev said.

PRESS-SERVICE OF MOTHER SEE OF ETCHMIADZIN CHANCELLERY EXPLAINS REGULATIONS OF VISITS TO TREASURY
Yerevan, July 6. ArmInfo. Press-service of Mother See of Etchmiadzin
Chancellery explains the situation with the regulations of visits to
the Treasury, Picture Gallery and Museum of Mother See Etchmiadzin.
According to the press-service, the Treasury is in the territory of
the residence of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II, and everyone
needs to get a permission of Bishop Paren Avetikyan or his assistants
to visit this close area. Everyone can visit the Treasury irrespective
of citizenship and social status. At present, construction is in
process in the territory of the Mother See. As a result, the Museum
will be separated from the residence and there will be no necessity
for permission to visit the Treasury any longer.

PEOPLE TO BE EVICTED UNDER THE LAW
Lragir.am
06 July 06
The bill on Alienation of Property for the Needs of the Public and the
Government introduced by the government was the most attention-grabbing
of about ten bills discussed at the extraordinary session of
the National Assembly on July 6. As the minister of justice Davit
Harutiunyan said, the necessity to adopt such a law occurred after the
decision of the Constitutional Court, declaring the alienation of the
property of the residents of the Center of Yerevan unconstitutional.
Mainly the opposition members of parliament showed up at the discussion
of such an important bill. The majority, 60 people hardly, took care
of registering 76 people and left, proud of their job, whereas, the
opposition is dissatisfied with the bill. Namely, Victor Dallakyan
believes that this bill is a means of legalizing the illegal actions,
because Article 19 of the bill provides for continuing the alienation
of property that began before the adoption of the law under the
acting legislation, i.e. the legislation, which was defined by the
Constitutional Court as unconstitutional.
The members of parliament were surprised and angry about the hastiness
of the government. The Ministry of Justice placed the bill on its
official website a month ago, modified the bill in accordance with
the proposals offered within a month, and introduced the bill to the
National Assembly in the beginning of the extraordinary meeting.
The bill was not discussed by any committee of the National Assembly.
Considering this, another oppositionist Member of Parliament Tatul
Manaseryan suggested withdrawing the bill and introducing it to the
National Assembly in compliance with the accepted procedure.
Besides, Victor Dallakyan predicts that there will be a time when
those who are depriving people of their property will lose all they
have and will be prosecuted.

SCANDAL DURING SEMINAR AT CONGRESS HOTEL
Yerevan, July 6. ArmInfo. The seminar on domestic political situation
in Armenia and the foreign political developments around it resulted
in a scandal.
The political expert Igor Muradyan took the microphone of “AR” TV
company and called the company “geeks.” In response to journalists
question about the reason of his anger, Muradyan stated: “I will
not apply to the court. I will better beat those who called me
pro-government on air.” Muradyan kept roaring and journalists left
the conference hall as a sign of protest.

ROBERT KOCHARYAN: ARMENIA IS INTERESTED IN EXPANSION OF MUTUALLY ADVANTAGEOUS COOPERATION WITH IRAN
Yerevan, July 6. ArmInfo. Armenia is interested in expansion of
mutually advantageous cooperation with Iran in the spheres of energy,
electricity and transport, especially in joining the two countries’
railroads, said President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan during his
meeting with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in Tehran, on
July 5. IRNA reports on the meeting referring to the press-service
of Iranian President. To recap, Armenian President arrived in Tehran
Wednesday on a two-day visit. The president is accompanied by Foreign
Minister Vardan Oskanyan and Energy Minister Armen Movsisyan.
The source reports the presidents as stressing the aspiration of Iran
and Armenia for development of versatile cooperation in all spheres.
R. Kocharyan underlined the existence of more than 90 documents of
cooperation between Iran and Armenia that should be fulfilled as
soon as possible. He invited his Iranian counterpart to Armenia. The
invitation was accepted with gratitude.
Iranian President appraised the Iranian-Armenian partnership
and came out for maximal use of the two countries’ potentials
for further deepening of the cooperation forms. He said Tehran is
interested in development of cooperation with Yerevan in the sphere of
transport, culture, sport, tourism and energy. The Iranian president
underlined the successful activity of the joint Iranian- Armenian
Intergovernmental Commission for Trade-Economic Cooperation.
After the document signing ceremony, the sides held a press conference,
wherein President of Armenia emphasized the “friendly, stable and
developing” relations of Armenia and Iran. In his turn, Mahmoud
Ahmadinejad said he discussed both bilateral and multilateral issues
of regional and international importance with Robert Kocharyan. The
same day, Robert Kocharyan met with Foreign Minister of Iran Manuchehr
Mottaki and Secretary of the Iranian National Security Supreme Council
Ali Larijani. Today, on July 6, Robert Kocharyan will meet with the
local Armenian community.
Armenian Mass Media report the two presidents as signing 7 documents
of cooperation: “Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between the
Governments of RA and IRI on the aid provided by IRI for development
of RA,” “Program of Cooperation for 2006-2011 between the Ministry of
Culture and Youth Affairs of Armenia and Organization of Cultural
Heritage and Tourism on preservation of cultural heritage,”
“Agreement on contract enclosed to the Agreement on Financing of
the 3rd high-voltage power transmission line,” “Agreement between
RA and IRI on legal cooperation under civil and criminal codes,”
“Memorandum of Mutual Understanding between the economy ministries
of RA and IRI,” “Agreement between RA and IRI on financing of the
construction of power transmission lines.”

INTERESTS OF POLES OF POWER CLASH
Lragir.am
06 July 06
The essential in the context of home political developments in Armenia
is that there is not a common interest in government. This opinion was
expressed by the political expert Manvel Sargsyan during the seminar
in Yerevan on July 6. The seminar was devoted the reform of the home
political sphere. Manvel Sargsyan says there are preconditions for
this reform.
“The interests of Robert Kocharyan, the corps of functionaries and
businesses divided. The energy of these three components of the ruling
camp went in different directions, which led to the erosion of the
ruling elite. In addition, the efforts made by each of these three
components contradict to the plans and interests of one another. This
circumstance reassures that the principles of establishment and
structure of government will change,” says Manvel Sargsyan.
According to him, the cause of the present situation is the collapse of
the of the “contract-based mechanism” of preserving power, established
by the coalition memorandum of 2003 and dissolved because the Orinats
Yerkir Party seceded from the coalition. Therefore, according to
the expert, the two important conditions of the future activities
and controllability of the government – the principle of division of
spheres and style of work based on camps – disappeared.
“In the government camp real power passed to Robert Kocharyan, and the
political parties of the coalition lost their levers of influence on
the situation because they lost the factor of being a parliamentary
majority. Facing the problem of quitting power in 2008 and under
external pressure Robert Kocharyan steps up his personal political
program, which clashes with the interests of high-ranking public
officials and politicized business. The appearance of the Bargavach
Hayastan Party [Prosperous Armenia Party] on the political stage was
marked by the emergence of fundamentally new approaches of laying
out the image of the future government,” says Manvel Sargsyan.
According to him, Armenian officials wonder why Robert Kocharyan
rejects the traditional Armenian path of reproduction of power,
why he fails to use his resources to make Serge Sargsyan president.
Manvel Sargsyan says the officials realized late that the president
is unlikely to choose the traditional path of reproduction. The
expert says the consolidation of officials by way of a fusion of the
Republican Party is the evidence to this perception.
Manvel Sargsyan believes that consolidation has one goal – to prevent
the application of a new, especially an electoral principle of forming
government by concentrating the administrative resource.
“The success of such a program is possible only in case Kocharyan’s
individual political program is neutralized by separating him from
administrative and financial levers,” says the expert. According to
him, the factor of the business corps acquires a special importance
in this situation.
“The parliamentary businessmen are in a paradoxical state. At
one time their mandates were a “roof”, and presently the property
of businessmen having mandates of parliamentarians has become a
target of political aspirations of different poles of the government
camp. The clannish mechanism of protection of property has lost its
effectiveness. Moreover, it contains additional threat for their
property. The threat of punishing businessmen for a “wrong” political
orientation has come true,” says Manvel Sargsyan.
Manvel Sargsyan thinks that the development of the process depends on
this state of things, and generally the situation in the government
camp. According to the expert, though it may sound exaggerated, the
outcome or consequence of the developments underway in the government
camp depends on the political role and plans of the new opposition
of Armenia.
“Especially the stance of businesses greatly depends on this. The
factor of the leader of the Orinats Yerkir Party is acquiring great
importance. The dissatisfied electorate and businesses are bound
for perceiving such an oppositionist image. The interests of such an
opposition may objectively overlap with the interests of the Bargavach
Hayastan Party,” says Manvel Sargsyan.
The expert believes that if the principals of the new opposition do
not win, and it displays a differential approach towards processes
inside the government, the reform of the political system may be real.
“All the internal preconditions for it are there. For external
preconditions, they have always existed,” says Manvel Sargsyan.