“Samvel Babayan’s Political Ambitions are Subversive for Artsakh”
Speeches and activities of Samvel Babayan, former NKR Defense Minister, who left for Stepanakert on June 5, and his supporters, march to the presidential office, participants of which headed by Hayk Khanumyan, NKR NA MP, demanded from Bako Sahakyan, NKR president, to appoint Babayan as the Defense Minister, raise some questions. Moreover, numerous publications are circulating the name of Babayan on his political programs linked to Moscow and Robert Kocharyan, RA second president. “168 Hours” talked to Modest Kolerov, Russian political analyst, first class advisor of Russian Federation, on how realistic are the circulating scenario and what’s going on in Artsakh?
Mr. Kolerov, there is an impression, that active fermentations are brewing in NK domestic policy, and it generated by the visit of Samvel Babayan, former NKR Defense Army Commander, former NKR Defense Minister, general-lieutenant, to Artsakh, where he was welcomed with gathering in central square of Stepanakert, then claims were heard to return him to his former position, and today, his supporter Hayk Khanumyan, who made those claims, was beaten. What’s the mission of Babayan in Artsakh, what do you think?
I may say the following on the occurrences. I personally know Samvel Babayan, yet years ago I got acquainted with him, thus I can share with my personal impressions. In my opinion, Samvel Babayan in no way is a politician, even by 1 percent, he is an ordinary militarian, thus, he has no political perspectives. Presently, his supporters, in particular, 2-3 of them, who claim to appoint him as the Defense Minister, simply apply provocations; it’s a provocation, as all resolutions, which are made, and were to be made as those people want, Artsakh state wouldn’t have existed long ago. Today intentions are different. If those 2-3 think they are owners of Nagorno-Karabakh, they have the right to “yawl highly,” I simply don’t understand how they put forward such issues. I think you can also do it. That claim has no value, moreover, when it refers to the state’s destiny. Speeches by his supporters and their activation are provocation.
This means, you think he doesn’t have perspectives. But doesn’t he have political ambitions either? Those speeches were heard at his presence, although he denies on having such intentions.
Samvel Babayan has political ambitions, however, he doesn’t have background to pursue a policy, he is not a political figure. Babayan’s all aspirations bear subversive nature for the country, which he defended during Artsakh war.
Mr. Kolerov, there were a few publications, that Samvel Babayan is a Russian agent and it’s not accidental that he appeared in Nagorno-Karabakh, he has a special mission, and with his help Moscow attempts to push forward its plans in Karabakh, in particular, on account of circulating talks that there are Babayan-Kocharyan connections. Is there a Russian factor here?
I can clearly and definitely say that allegation, that Samvel Babayan is a Russian agent, is not true and imaginary.
How realistic do you consider Kocharyan-Babayan cooperation for regime change?
I know nothing of it. I know, that Kocharyan helped to free Samvel from jail and you perfectly know who freed him.
Mr. Kolerov, it became known, that after the four-day April war, for the second time, Sargsyan-Aliyev meeting will be launched this month. What should be anticipated from that meeting? In case of which results will it be possible to regard as succeeded? Is there any ground for a successful meeting?
All mediators and participants of the settlement anticipate that Azerbaijan will confirm its liabilities assumed in Vienna, which refer installation of new mechanisms for peace maintenance on NK contact line, expansion of OSCE mission and etc. Is it possible to occur? I don’t know. But if Azerbaijan confirms its liabilities, it may be considered a good result.
By Araks Martirosyan
