Armenian opposition guilty too for Armenia’s future involvement in a new USSR
The Ukrainian opposition reacted immediately to the government’s decision to stop the process of integration with Europe. The opposition organized rallies of thousands to demand the government’s resignation. Opposition leaders call on the authorities “not to betray the state interests,” otherwise they would propose revolution through gathering of opposition forces in the Euro-Maidan area downtown Ukraine’s capital Kiev.
Why did not anything similar happen in Armenia following the president’s announcement on September 3rd announcing a decision to stop the process of further integration with Europe?
Aram Sargsyan, leader of the Republic Party, is a supporter of Armenia’s Euro-Atlantic geopolitical integration. Aram Sargsyan’s interview below is about main differences between opposition powers in Armenia and Ukraine.
-In consideration of the processes that are happening in Ukraine, we ask ourselves why nothing happened in Armenia. What do you think about the passive role of the opposition?
-I do not think it is correct to compare Armenia with Ukraine because even during the Soviet times there were groups in the Ukrainian society that wanted separation from the Soviet Union and independence. It is about every country’s society to decide which path they want for their country. Unfortunately this does not happen in Armenia because as a supporter of the Western geopolitical alliances I have numerously said that Western integration will be beneficial in Armenia, and integration with Russia poses threats for Armenia. Back in 2008-09 I said that further integration with Russia would result in the appointment of the Armenian government by Russians, and Armenian economic interests would be integral to the Russian interests. However, the understanding of our people is different due to the seasonal migration to Russia and the environment related to security as a result of state propaganda. As a result of such propaganda the society of Armenia has been convinced that integration with Russia is good. If the government of Armenia was fairly elected and would possess resources to explain and make sure the society trusts them, making sure that they understand that the Armenian people succeeded only when they relied on their own potential by bringing the examples of Avarayr battle and Karabakh war, the Armenian society would have a different psychology and approach to issues.
-You are speaking of the government’s failures. Isn’t the opposition guilty as well?
-The parties that have advocated for European integration have had problems. These parties have been broken to pieces because they were opposed by not only the Armenian government, but a greater power coordinated from Moscow. There are good conditions for certain parties in Moscow that serve for them, but for parties like our parties they have always created problems by pressing down or planting people who culminated movements and then left to weaken those powers. However, I still believe that the Armenian opposition is guilty too for Armenia’s future involvement in a new USSR.
-The opposition is guilty for not being able to oppose to that process.
-Yes, the opposition is not able to generate coercive opposition to that process. Opposition is a part of the power as well, and it rules in the souls and hearts of people. If you are honest in your ambitions, you are honest with the society, you can always find your place in the society. However, if the opposition is doing the same as the government, with the difference that it would like to be in the place of the government, it loses its trust and influence on people. Unfortunately, Armenia’s opposition is in similar situation now.
-You say that Russia is supporting the parties that work with them. Does Europe support the parties that stand for European integration?
-Generally there is an opinion that the European Union was guilty in what happened to Armenia and Ukraine as they did nothing to prevent and support these countries. I do not share that opinion. Every country should choose the path it wants to follow; either go for development through the European path or give place to Russia’s pressure. I am for the European model because it can support Armenia’s development and nation building. Armenians can create and add value only in an environment that supports innovation and rule of law, which is possible through integration with the European path. The Russian model deprives the human being from its self-fulfillment potential, Armenia loses its sovereignty and becomes like the region of Kaliningrad for them. I have numerously said that the Customs Union is dangerous for Armenia: in the beginning it will bring the language, then the currency, after which parties will unite. They say that our security is one step forward than other issues. Who cares about our security? The slave-master?
-Can we say that despite Ukraine, Armenia has got used to the Russian pressure?
-No. There are different types of struggle. Some prefer going out to streets to raise their voice. I have nothing against such method.
-Do you mean Shant Harutyunyan?
-I have nothing against what Shant did, but I am more a supporter of other methods that may result in real change. For me the ideal method of struggle is the one Polish people did during the Soviet times. Poland had fictive independence, but were dependant from Russia. What they did is they created a movement which was called “Opposition,” and then built that movement up to “Solidarity,” which united the Polish people for independence. I am more for such institutional struggle instead of personalized actions. I am against any actions against the leaders of third countries; we should struggle against the leaders of our country to make change. Generally it is difficult to mobilize people in the other side of politics because their opponents are rich and supported by Russia, but in contrast they have exhausted their resources in their struggle or lost what they had. This is the reason I believe we should act at more intellectual level and choose methods of political struggle, which will bring victory for us.
By Avetis Babajanyan
