Interview with Republican MP Margarit Yesayan
– The RA President’s speech in Strasbourg took place in a tense moment when it was announced that Armenia is moving towards the Customs Union. In your assessment, what message did this speech have?
– The RA President’s speech in the plenary PACE session in Strasbourg, I think, answered all the questions that have been raised for already one month in future circles of relations of the Republic of Armenia with Cu and EU, the questions are natural and important. It would be unnatural if people and the social and political structures were not concerned about these issues, as the matter is about our country, our future and the future path. The RA President Serzh Sargsyan from the PACE tribune gave simple, straightforward, and with Armenian sincerity and open, like a Christian, answers to all questions and showed the vision that the Republic of Armenia has, that Artsakh has, that each Armenian has, regardless of whether this Armenian is in authority or other camp. The President again stressed that “the European Union is one of the most important partners to Armenia. The large-scale reforms in the spheres of human rights, democracy and superiority of law, are the core of of relations between Armenia and the European Union. I consider that the joint project “Eastern Partnership instrument” developed within the framework of the Eastern Partnership and in cooperation with the Council of Europe an important initiative, as well as the activities executed in the participating countries within its framework with the direction of electoral standards, judicial reforms, effective governance, and struggle against corruption and cybercrime.” I particularly quote this section, because it sheds light to all doubts and concerns of those who are restless and concerned, explaining to the world once again that we are a country going to Europe. We are also a country of just historically formed and available agreements respecting country, and we are masters of our word, and we never determine one relations with other countries and structures at the expense of relations with other countries and other partner structures.
Serzh Sargsyan also stated that Armenia intends to continue the comprehensive and mutually beneficial cooperation with the European Union. From the beginning of the Eastern Partnership initiative, even before that, we have said and will continue to say that we are trying to possibly have close and extensive relations with the European Union, to be close to the European Union. This policy will not be interrupted. These are very important statements, and the most important thing is that the President said clearly and audibly; we are ready and we will go to Vilnius to sign the political part of the Association Agreement, and why not, especially to note that the representatives of almost all of the European institutions, during the last month, keep talking about the fact that it is necessary to look for ways and opportunities for cooperation and agreements between Armenia and the EU, in the new situation, too.
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– But there are politicians and analysts who do not see any hint or important things to say in Serzh Sargsyan’s speech.
– Not seeing is the problem of those who do not see it, but those who have the desire to see and have enough sight, they see and appreciate. Is it possible to “omit” the other important message that refers to NKR: the President especially emphasized, and let me say that this part of the speech I liked the most, the following: “Karabakh was, is and will always be a part of Europe. Karabakh’s today’s population is a part of the European Community, a part of the European family, regardless of its political status. Hence, I think that the Council of Europe may, regardless of status, initiate direct contacts with Karabakh, within its own operations, moreover, when the Council of Europe has similar experience in the other conflicts areas.”
This is exactly what we have been continuously talking about, that is to say, dear Europe, leave the behavior of double standards aside, and admit the self-determination and independence of Artsakh the same way as you admitted Kosovo, and so on.
– Serzh Sargsyan cited from PACE podium and voiced Sos Sargsyan’s words addressed to the Azerbaijani intellectuals, which has become a saying “Artsakh is a territory for you, for us, it is a holy land”, wasn’t this part of the RA President’s speech a bit emotional?
– I think, no, but even if it was emotional, why not, why to avoid the emotions that are just as human as the logic and conscience. I would like to remind you that literally three days ago the Presidents of Armenia and Artsakh, along with all art lovers, walking for an hour and a half on foot and all the way applauding the great actor escorted him to the Pantheon. Do you are emotions here? In my opinion, it was a moment when unity won again, and all of us, though in pain, became united.
Interviewer Melania BARSEGHYAN
