If the ultimate priority for chief Armenian eagle Khachik Asryan and his supporters is really the state, as they state, then “eagles” should watch their language while talking about the present and former presidents in their public speeches. Because one who loves the state must understand that its leader, whatever he is, symbolizes that state in the fixed period of time. Certainly, we might not like those leaders’ activities and we have the right to express it, but it must be done without losing the sense of proportion. From the same stage, where Mr. Asryan made elevated speeches last Sunday, another emotional speaker Ashot Manucharyan said the word “whore” 18 years ago, meaning the first president and his closest entourage. I don’t think that it has established a good tradition. The difference is that Mr. Manucharyan was talking about the president in power at the time and the “eagle” about the former leader – I believe you will admit that the second is less risky. In that second instance, the current president has to restrain his overemotional supporters for the reasons mentioned above, as well as considering a simple fact that he will become a former president sooner or later. Since 1998, no such tradition has been established and the propaganda supporting then president Kocharyan would speak day and night about “the former criminal regime.” Today the official propaganda is more restrained; let us hope that the riot of “eagles” is an exception. Many things depend on the leaders, because at the end of the day they are who predetermine the, so to say, “features” of the debate and can restrain the cursing rhetoric of Bolsheviks that have stood by their side. I don’ think it is solid, when former presidents talk disrespectfully about each other or order their supporters or, let’s say, office managers to respond to the assessments already voiced in the same manner. Generally, when the state traditions strengthen a bit inArmenia, I believe the role of former presidents will be reevaluated. They will neither be offended and keep silent, nor take to the streets, nor else “have fun” making biting remarks about each other. They will talk from their height 2-3 times a year about the most important problems facing the country and will talk about the exact problem in a restrained and solid manner without blaming or insulting anyone. It seems an unrealizable dream today, but such culture will be established sooner or later – just some time and, as they usually say, political will are needed.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
