Last week, within the diversity of events, the remote debate, which was taking place around Artsakh issue did not receive attention that much. The former minister of defense, Vigen Sargsyan criticized PM Pashinyan’s some expressions, which he had made in Stepanakert. As a response, the first president of Armenia, Levon Ter-Petrossian defended Pashinyan, criticized the former minister and from a negative angle referred to the second president, Robert Kocharyan. As a response, the “2rd.am” website, which supports Robert Kocharyan, called Ter-Petrossian “cynical”, and Vigen Sargsyan gained a “counterattack” from “Haykakan Zhamanak” (The Armenian Times) newspaper via the article entitled: “The Romanic Anti-Revolutionists: Main Role Given to Vigen Sargsyan”.
Overall, everything would be normal, if Artsakh issue was not referred to. As to my opinion, the public debate among the the former and current leaders should take place in a very moderate and responsible way (if it should take place at all). Moreover, I believe that the three former presidents and the incumbent PM can serve as an example to others. In this issue the first step should have been made by the former presidents, I think.
The first thing they could do would be congratulating the newly elected PM, which almost all leaders of the world did – starting from Putin and Trump. (It would be fair to mention that the first president, although has not congratulated, in fact, has suggested his support to the current PM, which is a positive event, naturally.)
“Playing offended” at a state level is an unnecessary luxury, being political opponent does not mean to oppose in the most important issues for the state. The first three leaders should accept the election of the 4th one, it would be great if they met after that and, if no issue is discussed, then they should take a photograph together, at least.
However, especially in the case of Armenia, it can bear not only a symbolic significance, inasmuch as we, in essence, are in a war, and Karabakh issue and the negotiations around it have a history of dozens of years. It would not be bad if the mentioned 4 – former and incumbent leaders exchanged with thoughts over these issues.
We have witnessed its example – right after April War the third president had visited the first president. Forget, distinguished leaders, who, when and why has left the power! These are secondary matters.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
