I don’t believe that Vartan Oskanian was engaged in money laundering, as I don’t believe that another former Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexander Arzumanyan is capable of doing that. Generally “legalizing money gained by illegal means,” which is the exact definition of money laundering, is a very serious accusation. Theoretically it is not ruled out that John Heartsmann who gave money to Oskanian had gotten that money by illegal means, but can the National Security Service deal with the business of one of the leaders of the US Republican Party and international Mormon movement. It is also hard to say what goals that figure pursues in Armenia, but in my opinion, it is doubtless that the Civilitas Foundation, which was established with his assistance, does positive and praiseworthy work. For me, Civilitas is first of all a mass media and all normal journalists, regardless of their political convictions, I think, should stand by their colleagues. Yes, all foundations can have tax problems, but it is a completely different accusation and the government should redefine its approach before it is too late.
However, I want to pay attention to another fact. Being invited to Urvagits (outline) TV show at Kentron, Mr. Oskanian stated, “The government’s tolerance equals zero,” and added that the government required that everyone said that everything was good, there was no emigration, there was economic growth etc. Regardless of whether they cook up charges against him or not, those claims need clarification. If we compare with France or at least Estonia, then yes, it equals zero. If we compare with Robert Kocharyan’s presidency, then it is +1. For a very simple reason – when he was the Minister of Foreign Affairs, since April 2002, in particular, after A1+ was closed, there has been no TV channel, where an oppositionist persecuted illegally could have gone and complained about persecution live. Now at least Kentron and Yerkir Media are such TV channels. Moreover, when A1+ was closed, all TV channels and a set of other mass media were compelled “from above” to state that nothing threatened the freedom of speech in Armenia (it can be considered as black humor). I cannot imagine that something like that is possible now. You would say A1+ doesn’t broadcast now either and Amalyan has held another “contest” recently, which didn’t drop behind the previous “contests” with its cynicism. It is very right. That is why I say +1 and not +10.
During the same interview, when Petros legitimately noted “well, it has been the same for 20 years,” Mr. Oskanyan responded to that, “Should it continue for another 100 years then?” God forbid. However, for that, those who have done all that for these past 20 years should admit that they have made a mistake.
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
