Armen Ashotyan to Serj Tankian: “It’s time for everyone, and I mean EVERYONE to be held accountable for what they say and do, including you, Serj, no matter how famous and beloved you are”
On the day of the snap elections of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, world famous Armenian musician Serj Tankian today posted the following statement on his Facebook page at midday:
“Very proud of my brothers and sisters in Armenia who will be going to the polls to vote for a new parliament after having freed themselves of a corrosive, unjust, corrupt regime earlier this year. It annoys me to read quotes from relics like Armen Ashotyan, from the RPA, complaining about not having enough time to ready themselves for the election after plundering the country for 20 years. I’m happy to hear that former President Robert Kocharian is back in jail. The people of Armenia want and deserve justice for past injustices and should be holding all those responsible accountable. Presidents who become billionaires while in office by using their office for personal gain are not patriotic, they are corrupt. Armenia’s revolution and new path is a prime example of how a country can transition peacefully to a progressive egalitarian society. There is much work to be done, especially economically, but the important thing is that people are awake and empowered.”
In response to Tankian’s orientating and accusatory statement, Vice-Chairman of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA), candidate for deputy and campaign officer of the RPA Armen Ashotyan posted the following statement on his Facebook page:
“I regret to see that Serj Tankian, who keeps the reputation of our country at a high level in terms of culture, is making irresponsible statements. Serj Tankian has touched upon the snap parliamentary elections taking place in the Republic of Armenia today, but for some reason, he has decided to interpret my words in his emotional Facebook status.
Serj, no matter how famous and beloved you are and no matter how high you maintain the reputation of our country, you must be able to held accountable for your statements by law. When you state that “it annoys you to read quotes from relics like Armen Ashotyan, from the RPA, complaining about not having enough time to ready themselves for the election after plundering the country for 20 years”, you are unintentionally or thoughtfully reporting about a crime and nominally charging me with a crime that, we hope, the Police of the Republic of Armenia will respond to; otherwise, it will finally be stated that justice in our country is truly selective.
I hope any one of the power structures of the Republic of Armenia summons you to prove and substantiate your statements. It is time for everyone to be held accountable for what they say and do, EVERYONE. As far as my statement on the small amount of time for campaigning is concerned, I must say that I reaffirm my statement. Yes, 12 days is not enough, but I have to disappoint you and the people who share your views — even during these 12 days, we managed to show everyone what there is and explain to them that our team has potential and tell them what we can do. Have a good day, dear Serj! I hope that, besides posting statements, you have the opportunity to make your actual contribution to have a powerful and developed Armenia…For instance, I hope you finally purchase a house that you have been promising to purchase for such a long time now and I hope you return to the homeland,” Ashotyan declared.
ARMINE VARDANYAN
