Steps by the Authorities more Contribute to People’s Mobilization: Artur Martirosyan
Discussion has been held in Media Center on “Negotiations with the armed group: current situation and possible exists.” Speakers were Stepan Grigoryan, Chairman of the Board at Analytical Centre on Globalization and Regional Cooperation (ACGRC), Ashot Khurshudyan, negotiation specialist, and Artur Martirosyan of Boston, Senior Consultant, CMPartners, negotiation specialist, joined the discussion via Skype.
According to Artur Martirosyan, some shortcomings are obvious in the negotiation process. According to him, the negotiator should, first and foremost, listen to the other side,
“Under current situation it’s rather difficult, however, it’s a very important capability, which the negotiator should possess. If both sides seek to solve the issue through negotiations. Everything possible should be done to find a way to negotiated solution. The team is negotiating, and not one person. Firstly, the sides should gain trust.”
In his words, steps contributing to worsening of trust prevent negotiated solution, “Steps taken by the authorities more contribute to people’s mobilization.”
According to the specialist, it’s not clear up to now what was the role of the participators in negotiations—that of a mediator or a negotiator? “For instance, was Vitaly Balasanyan negotiating from the side of the authorities or was a mediator? And the difference is big, as the mediator should seek and find variants to be acceptable for both sides. If there is trust, if both sides agree that nobody should suffer, blood shouldn’t be shed, negotiations start on that grounding.”
He said he didn’t share the opinion of Stepan Grigoryan, that there shouldn’t be snipers, “The other side should also show, that it has power. A situation has been established, when the armed group hopes that people should go to the street, and they would reach their purpose. Communication is becoming a crucial leverage for this. If they feel that people support them and force won’t be applied, then what should contribute to negotiations? Force should be applied exclusively in cases, like what happened this morning. It’s a complicated situation, and escalation is possible.”
Touching upon the work of the reporters, he stated that one shouldn’t allow only the information provided by one side,” Information is provided by the negotiating team. I don’t observe that the authorities have a strategy of communication, even elementary points lack. Where is the center, where the authorities give a press conference? Representatives of “Sasna Tsrer” give a press conference.”
By Razmik Martirosyan
