Let’s recall how the parliamentary discussions unfolded recently regarding amendments to the Laws on “Public Service” and “Energy.” Civil Contract (CP) members presented the issue as if the adoption of the law (which passed on July 3) amounted to the nationalization of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA). “With this law, we are returning the ENA to the people,” was the central message repeated by the authorities’ representatives.
In general, whenever CP members, Nicolists, or their affiliated propagandists disapprove of something, they immediately begin the process of “returning it to the people.” Thankfully, they haven’t yet attempted the same with the Stockholm Arbitration Court.
It seems the process of “returning the ENA to the people” has begun. Prominent CP member Romanos Petrosyan was appointed temporary administrator—a kind of “commissar,” so to speak—who, while not particularly well-versed in energy matters, is faithfully implementing the party’s main line.
Government propagandists were thrilled: “Dear people, the ENA is ours as of today.” Some even claimed that within just a few days, the institution had already begun functioning more effectively under the skillful leadership of Romanos Petrosyan.
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But what is most lacking during these sweltering summer days? Naturally, a cold shower. And it came courtesy of Minister of Justice Srbuhi Galyan, who clarified that IF the ENA is nationalized, Samvel Karapetyan will be entitled to compensation. So—has it not been nationalized yet? Has it not actually been “returned to the people”? Is it possible that it won’t be at all?
This is not the place to delve into the illegalities the government may have committed during this so-called “nationalization” process. I promise to address those in a separate piece. Let me just say this for now: the Republic of Armenia is not in a position to ignore a ruling of the Stockholm Arbitration Court, if and when it comes.
And finally, I want to say how deeply sorry I feel for theCP deputies, government members, and official propagandists. If tomorrow their leader posts a Facebook status declaring that from now on the sun rises in the West and sets in the East, just imagine how much effort they will expend to prove that (a) it was a brilliant idea, and (b) it marks a victory for the sovereignty of the “real Armenia.”
Aram ABRAHAMYAN
