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April 1998 Volume 3.2(10) | |
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 Kocharian takes oath of officePresident Kocharian’s inaugural speachThe ARF-D and the presidential elections of Armenia
Kocharian takes oath of officeYEREVAN — Robert Kocharian was sworn in as Armenia's second president Thursday, April 9, at a special session of the National Assembly convened in the Opera and Ballet State Theatre to accomodate attending dignitaries. President Kocharian took his oath on the Constitution of Armenia and a 7th century Bible on loan from the Madenataran. "Taking over the office of President of the Republic of Armenia, I swear before the people of Armenia to be a guarantor of independence, territorial integrity and security of the Republic, respect and defend the rights and freedoms of citizens, proceed from the Constitution of Armenia and laws, serve the Armenian people faithfully in the name of the might of the Armenian statehood and accomplishment of national ideals." His Holiness Karekin I, Catholicos of All Armenians, blessed those present and delivered a short speech. The session was attended by 159 out of the 189 members of parliament; cabinet members; officials from the Constitutional Court; officials of the State Prosecutor's Office; the high command of the Armenian Armed Forces; artists; scientists; representatives of public organizations and political parties; President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic Arkady Ghoukassian; Prime Minister of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic; and representatives of the Armenian Diaspora. Also in attendance was former President of the Republic of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan, who following the ceremony congratulated President Kocharian and held a brief conversation with him. Notable among foreign officials present was Acting Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Ivan Rybkin.
President Kocharian’s inaugural speach
Your Holiness, I would first like to express my gratitude to all the citizens of the Republic of Armenia for their active participation in the election, regardless who they cast their votes for. The president elected is a president for everyone. This election is a pledge for the strengthening of our statehood and its further development. I am proud of this high honor of becoming Armenian president, which I got due to the trust of the Armenian people. This is my first speech as president of the Republic of Armenia. I would like to present the ideas and programs that will become a guide for Armenia’s development. We shall have an enterprising and productive state. The coming five years will be a period for the forcification of our grounds and settlement of our society’s social issues. During this period, we shall improve the mechanisms ensuring the constitutional rights and freedoms of the citizens. The state will act as a partner and advisor to its citizens. We shall proceed from the belief that the main guarantee for a strong and stable state is the well-being of the nation as a whole and each person individually. A wide-scale and effort-taking work is ahead. That will need an internal consent, unity, constructive political dialogues and cooperation. The president should be the initiator and guarantor of the creation of such an environment. The state should guarantee the free formation and expression of people’s will - from the freedom of speech, conscience and religion to the creation of conditions for unhampered functioning of political parties and public organizations in an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding. Armenia should be a home not only for Armenians but also for all the ethnic minorities living in Armenia. The fundamental changes necessary for the strengthening of our statehood make constitutional amendments very urgent. Those amendments should first of all be directed towards the establishment of balanced relations between the authorities: president-government, president-national assembly relations should be made more precise and clear. New approaches are necessary for the activities of the Constitutional Court. Number one priority for us is the supremacy of law. Everybody, starting from the president to ordinary citizens, should be equal before the law. In this respect, great importance will be attached to consistent reforms in the legal-judicial system, which assumes creation of a new legal-judicial system. At the same time, only an economically developed and strong Armenia will be able to solve the numerous problems it is facing today. The economic policy should be directed towards the creation of favorable pre-conditions and conditions and the realization of targeted investments, necessary for the development of Armenian industry, small and medium-size businesses, re-activation of industrial enterprises, creation of job opportunities. We will continue the reforms adopting new principles and new approaches. The political and economic decisions making the axis of the development policy should comply with the requirements and moods of the society. These decisions should be adopted taking into consideration the existing situation, possible social consequences, we do not need “reforms just for the sake of reforms.” It is now clear that the state should not had given up its regulating role in the sphere of economic relations, especially that the market institutions to replace the state were not established yet. During the years ahead we need to actively fill in the gaps. This regards the agriculture in particular. Through governmental assistance we need to promote the development of farming activities and create conditions for their profitable operation. The efficiency of a state is evaluated by the quality and level of its social care for the citizens. Social injustices make people feel themselves deceived and disappointed. There can be no real freedom and democracy if employment and minimum standard of living are not ensured. Consequently, social policy should first of all be directed towards the establishment of social justice. The existence of a strong state and the realization of constitutional freedoms and rights will be felt only when developed education and scientific systems are in place, when medical care is affordable for everyone, and when people can choose between the public and private services of the above fields. But I am convinced that each citizen should always have the opportunity to appeal to the state and receive a support from it. A strong family has always been in the basis of our people’s survival. The realization of this fact leads to the conscious that family, mothers and children should always be under the auspices and protection of the state. Special governmental approaches should be worked out for the settlement of youth issues. The state should also focus on the development of the culture, and the culture will continue to present our nation and its history coming from ages. Improving conditions in our Homeland, we will establish dynamic and mutually beneficial relations with our neighbors and the states pursuing strategic interests in the region as well as stir up our participation in the structures of international cooperation. The Republic of Armenia will remain true to the signed international agreements and to the obligations assumed by those agreements. Our state will have its own role in the regional and world economy as well as policy. The strength of Armenia also assumes a strong security system with efficient and disciplined army. The best guarantee for the maintenance of peace in the region is the balance between the powers. Our army should first of all serve that goal. The Nagorno Karabagh issue is a pan-national issue, and we have to settle it with dignity. Proceeding from the principles of peaceful resolution, we should achieve the international recognition of Karabagh people’s right to self-determination, ensuring its development with save frontiers and permanent geographic contact with Armenia. Our generation is here to shoulder one more responsibility. That is the unification of the efforts of all the Armenians and the ensuring of Diaspora Armenians’ active participation in social, political and economic life of our republic. A constitutional solution to the issue of dual citizenship will also contribute to the issue. Armenia should be a holy motherland for all the Armenians, and its victory should be their victory, its future - their future. We have to realize that a nation, understanding the value of its combined force, can never be defeated. Armenia will stand in front of the world as a democratic, stable, peace-liking and promising state. Dear compatriots, this is how I imangine Armenia after five years, in the beginning of the third millennium. We together will build such a state during the five years ahead. Thank you.
The ARF-D and the presidential elections of ArmeniaFollowing are excerpts from the Armenian press review by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty correspondents in Armenia.
Friday, 13 February 1998:Aram Abrahamian, the editor-in-chief of “Aravot,” says: “The Dashnaktsutiune has become an almost ruling party.”
Saturday, 14 February 1998:“Molorak” believes there will be a run-off between Kocharian and Manukian. (...) Kocharian is stronger in that he has heavily borrowed from the Manukian agenda; is perceived to be the man who has “deposed Ter-Petrossian; and” has taken concrete steps towards “national solidarity,” re-registering the Dashnaks and has achieved a certain upturn in the economy.
Tuesday, 17 February 1998:“Hayastani Hanrapetutyun” asks leaders of the Armenian Pan-National Movement (HHSh) to comment on Kocharian’s decision to re-register the Dashnak party. HHSh chairman Vano Siradeghian describes it as a “very serious step. The party should have been re-registered one or two years ago. I congratulate the Dashnaks and am happy about everybody getting out of prison.” Siradeghian’s deputy, Ararat Zurabian is “happy” about the Dashnaks too. Former parliament speaker Babken Ararktsian is more cautious, saying that the authorities were ready to reinstate the Dashnaks before but failed to do so because the latter would not bring their statutes into conformity with Armenian law.
Wednesday, 18 February 1998:A commentary by the Dashnak-run Yerevan news center on the front-page of the governmental “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun” epitomizes the sweeping changes in Armenia. Apparently referring to a possibly tough election campaign, the author is worried about “new dangerous trends,” involving “growing signs of imminent cleavages.” He urges the key candidates; Prime Minister Robert Kocharian and Vazgen Manukian, to “think of and find mechanisms for regulating bilateral ties.”“Molorak” says the Dashnaks “aspire to get involved in the sphere of government” and get their hands on” several” ministerial posts. “Apparently this is the only way [for them] to move from a status of imposed opposition and the old legends to the mundane world of reality.”
Friday, 20 February 1998:“Hayots Ashkhar” notes that the candidates’ platforms are essentially the same on at least three issues: “Artsakh, democracy and economic recovery.” So the main criteria for their evaluation will be their personal traits and especially their records of past accomplishments. “Every citizen should understand that this country does not need new upheavals. What Armenia does need is a young and sound political force.”“Iravunk” writes that Kocharian’s takeover of the presidency has given the Dashnaks an important role. “They now can be dubbed a party of power,” which will get a few ministerial posts should Kocharian remain in power.
Tuesday, 24 February 1998:A “Hayastani Hanrapetutyun” correspondent is surprised to see many government ministers attending yesterday’s ceremonial meeting in Yerevan dedicated to the reinstatement of the Dashnak party. The ministers applauded Dashnak speakers as actively as did other participants. “It looked like they are now stauncher Dashnaks than the party members themselves.” Dashnak leader Vahan Hovannisian tells the daily it is “immoral” to assert that Kocharian does not qualify as a candidate. He admits that the Dashnaks are not averse to getting a number of high-level government positions in the event of a Kocharian victory. He says the parliament should be dissolved by the end of the year because it was not elected in a “fair” way.
Thursday, 26 February 1998:An editorial in “Hayots Ashkhar” hints that “unfortunately some political forces already take steps” to create preconceptions towards the election among the public. The Dashnak daily gets the impression that “some candidates” are too much engaged in negative campaigning. “Their grievances and hints are particularly directed against the candidate with the best chance of victory, Robert Kocharian.” And this “may give external forces a pretext to scold Armenia and teach us lessons in democracy .”“Hayots Ashkhar” reports that during a meeting with Kocharian on February 24, members of the Dashnak Bureau called upon him to “act in such a way as to prepare the ground for a post-election government of national unity” and expedite constitutional reform. The top Dashnaks also told Kocharian that the new authorities should not foster the appearance of a “new privileged class” and must crack down on corruption. The paper says an “agreement was reached” at the meeting. Also, according to “Hayots Ashkhar,” the Bureau members held a “friendly and cordial” meeting yesterday with Defense Minister Vazgen Sarkisian.
Friday, 27 February 1998:Commenting on yesterday’s sacking of the governors of Armavir and Aragatsotn, “Aravot” suggests that it occurred under pressure from the Dashnaks and National Democratic Union (AZhM). “Even the fact that the two gentlemen were diligently agitating for Kocharian’s bid did not save them.”Also, “Aravot” quotes HHSh chairman Vano Siradeghian as saying that “Hay Dat [Armenian aspirations to regain control of lost territories] threatens to become a state policy,” which can have “very dangerous consequences.” It is “strange” for him to see “Socialists coming to power” which may also create serious difficulties for “the liberal political groups and individuals.”
Wednesday, 4 March 1998:An editorial in “Hayots Ashkhar” urges all 12 presidential candidates to come together and agree on “the rules of the game.” Also, another commentary in the daily attacks Demirjian for his decision to run for president. The author accuses the former Communist leader of being the instrument of “external forces” that want to use him for “reviving Ter-Petrossian’s failed Karabakh policy, to strengthen the integration processes in the framework of the CIS and prevent the formation of a strong Armenian state.”
Wednesday, 5 March 1998:Ruben Hakobian, a senior member of the Dashnak party (HHD) which supports Kocharian, expresses concerns in “Hayots Ashkhar.” He says “obviously many local officials try to display [excessive] ‘initiative’.” Many of them follow the 1996 election pattern to hold on to their posts. They “symbolize corruption, favoritism and nepotism.” But their activities are but an “anti-propaganda” of Kocharian. Hakobian wants to believe that Kocharian is unaware of all that and will “rein in” and keep them from participating in his campaign.“Hayots Ashkhar” claims that former President Levon Ter-Petrossian wants Karen Demirjian to get elected, saying that his brother, Petros, who controls the country’s construction materials market, and the director of the Hrazdanmash company Ashot Safarian are helping the former Communist boss. The Dashnak paper is convinced that “the Ter-Petrossian and Demirjian regime’s were very similar in their nature. If Demirjian becomes president the Ter-Petrossian clan will continue with its monopolist economic activities.” Moreover, “a considerable part of the shadow economy is controlled by the Demirjian and Ter-Petrossian clans.” The daily then reminds its readers of Demirjian’s endorsement of Ter-Petrossian in 1996 as well difficult financial situation of his Hay Elektra enterprise. “Hayots Ashkhar” also criticizes the opposition National Democratic Union (AZhM) for its “unclear” position on the campaign. On one hand, it says the AZhM is unhappy with alleged irregularities, on the other, its cites no concrete instances. The reason for that is that in view of Vazgen Manukian’s “limited chances” the AZhM seeks scapegoats for his likely defeat.
Friday, 6 March 1998:“Iravunk” and “Hayots Ashkhar” respond with a strong criticism to yesterday’s remarks of former security chief David Shahnazarian [that re-legalizing the ARF was illegal]. The former writes that “Shahnazarian serves those forces that oppose the reunification process between Armenia and Artsakh. Not surprisingly, in 1994-95 Shahnazarian did everything to crush Dashnaktsutiune, the largest exponent of national ideology. For “Hayots Ashkhar,” “the man who was engaged in mean activities against political opponents...now talks about democracy and rule of law.”
Saturday, 7 March 1998:Demirjian, interviewed by “Golos Armenii”, appreciates the role the Dashnaks have played in Armenian history. As for his anti-Dashnak discourse during the Soviet times, “I was only against their leaders with their harsh anti-Soviet rhetoric.” Demirjian says he always respected rank-and-file Dashnaks.
Thursday, 12 March 1998:“Hayots Ashkhar” is convinced that it is Levon Ter-Petrossian who made Demirjian run for president. The Dashnak daily editorializes that Demirjian has no plan of his own on settling the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Friday, 20 March 1998:Commenting on the March 16 election, “Aravot” editorializes that the numerous reported irregularities were done by those people who “had already committed several crimes” and had vested interest in the outcome of the vote. “Criminal elements working for Robert Kocharian had started their ‘creative activities’ under Karen Demirjian. Those who have done well in Armenia within past ten years were now rigging the election in favor of the prime minister as they had done before for the former president and the Yegorian National Assembly.” But some members of the former Soviet nomenklatura whose “creative activities” were disrupted in recent years were working for Demirjian, the daily says.“Aravot” continues: “Kocharian was not interested in such flagrant violations,” which “were probably the expression of a competition between two forces standing behind the prime minister. Namely, the Dashnaks and Yekrapah. Dashnak support for Kocharian, involving financial, ideological organizational aid, was within the legal framework.”
Tuesday, 24 March 1998:Two pro-Kocharian papers, “Azg” and “Hayots Ashkhar,” criticize Demirjian, who said “nothing new” at his news conference yesterday. An editorial in the Dashnak “Hayots Ashkhar” says “the former regime” wants Demirjian back to avoid punishment for its “plunder.” It says Saturday’s arrests of four men proves the undeniable link between the HHSh and Demirjian.A commentary by the pro-Dashnak Yerevan information center, run by several papers, touches upon the involvement in the election of “external forces.” It says “Russia and the West do everything to call into question the legitimacy of the new president in order to exploit the matter later.”
Wednesday, 25 March 1998:“Hayots Ashkhar” reports on yesterday’s meeting Dashnak leader Vahan Hovannisian held with students at the Yerevan Pedagogical Institute. He said all the forces that stood behind Vazgen Manukian in 1996, except the AZhM, now back up Kocharian. This means, according to Hovannisian, that “it is only the AZhM that has changed.” He goes on to claim that 65 percent of voters have voted for ideologies in the first round [of the presidential elections] while the remaining 35 percent has voted for “the past.” The Dashnaks have rallied behind Kocharian because of his program. The party’s main aims encompass “two directions: first, the recognition of Hay Dat and diplomatic reinforcement for the Artsakh victory. And second, the creation of a social state.”“Hayots Ashkhar” editorializes that the current situation in Armenia is such that “the fate of government officials will hinge on their concrete accomplishments.”
Thursday, 26 March 1998:“Hayots Ashkhar” claims that Demirjian was lying when he recently said that he had never denounced the Dashnak party except its leadership. “Hayots Ashkhar” cites some quotes from a speech Demirjian delivered in 1985 when he headed the Armenian Communist party: “Dashnaktsutiune is our main enemy in Diaspora ... We must struggle against its reactionary and nationalist ideology.”
Tuesday, 31 March 1998:Dashnak leader Vahan Hovannisian already discusses possible post-election developments in the country. Interviewed by “Hayots Ashkhar” and “Aravot,” he says he is opposed to Karen Demirjian’s involvement in the Kocharian government but does not rule out “cooperation” between them. Hovannisian attaches great importance to a “political council” comprising Armenia’s leading political parties, which Kocharian has promised to set up in case of his election as president. This is all the more important given that the current parliament “does not reflect the political reality.” He feels well in Kocharian’s team: “These people understand a great deal and have changed their attitudes.” At the same time he is unhappy with the presence of some Armenian Pan-National Movement (HHSh) members in the Kocharian campaign. Hovannisian goes on to predict that “Armenia will have a new parliament by the end of the year” with the Dashnaks having quite a lot of seats there. As for his possible participation in the executive branch, Hovannisian plans to concentrate on party work for now.
Friday, 3 April 1998:“Aravot” predicts that Kocharian will not keep all of the current ministers. “Probably there will be sweeping changes within the government even if one of the present ministers is appointed prime minister. The society takes great interest in ministerial posts claimed by small and large parties that have stood behind Kocharian.” But the interesting thing, according to “Aravot,” is that the larger parties, the Dashnak party and Self-Determination Union (IM), are less assertive than smaller ones in claiming top government jobs.
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