The letter from four members of the Republican Party of Armenia that was published on “Aravot” caused an expected reaction. I, of course, would’ve liked for a debate to have come out of it that was serious, controlled, and respectful. But our society has not reached that mental level yet. We have been aggressive and defensive both before the revolution, and especially after. Nonetheless, the readers of “Aravot” know that we are and have been open to all opinions over the past 24 years, whether it be the opinions of the ARF, Pan-Armenian National Movement, Communists, Republican Party, Prosperous Armenian Party, people who support the current government, the “Sasna Tsrer” group- we are open to everyone without exception.
But just because we publish an article does not mean we agree with it. There are points in the deputies’ letter that are acceptable, there are points which I don’t agree with, and, finally, there are points that I have reservations about. First, I want to rebel against strong words such as “disaster,” “destruction,” and others. Using excessive drama when speaking isn’t something I like to do. I am completely against the statement that findings of corruption within the military negatively affect the willingness to serve. Just the opposite- the worse they punish officials who steal from the army, including high-ranking officers, the more powerful our army will become.
I don’t agree with the Republicans’ statement that our relations with Russia have gotten worse. There were no facts mentioned to support that thought. It doesn’t mean that there isn’t danger of that happening, however. Russia is unpredictable. I don’t see real problems facing our relations with Europe, especially after Merkel’s visit. But perhaps it’s time for the government to come up with precisely formulated ideas and proposals in all areas, particularly the Artsakh issue. We haven’t had prominent success in the economic area yet, but expecting success within the next three months is unrealistic.
The Republican deputies’ criticisms of an aggressive atmosphere, divisive lines, intolerance, insults, and labels aren’t based on facts. But the Republicans need to understand that the majority of society’s hatred towards them is involuntary and guideless, just as it was towards the Pan-Armenian National Movement and Kocharyan at the time. It’s a different question entirely that the current leaders shouldn’t base their political agenda on that hatred. Sooner or later, there will be a problem in trying to organize a positive agenda.
Aram Abrahamyan
