"Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

[crusader1492]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

you gotta go along at their level even if it means changing because the reality is they live in Armenia and you don't, live with it.

Amen!

This is the bottom line...and if the diaspora understands this and takes it to heart, a much healthier and prosperous relationship with the general citizenzry of Armenia will follow.

Lets hope that the diaspora can foster a sense of humility that compliments this bottom line.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

Based on my observations of the comments/writings of this "Washington Based Political Analyst" and the kind of people he associates with, this Richard Kirakosian character is most probably working for the US State Department, in some capacity.

Very good observations, yeghpair. And not only about just that character but also about Onnik Krikorian, Tony Halpin, John Hugues and Van Krikorian. One word and they will be on the first plane back to wherever the hell they came from.

[Armenian]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

Very well said Virgil, especially about diasporans respecting and taking into account the sentiments of the natives in Armenia. The diaspora's role, while it last, is to provide unconditional support to the homeland - nothing else.

Armenian, I gave up on explaining to Armenians and people in general that the backbone of a economy is the faith in its growth. If you live in a era where money is the prime motivator then, abosolutly, the only driving forece will be the belief in the reality or illusion that returns on investments can be earned. The very action of stating when a recession will occur manifests into a catalyst for recession. Markets exists because people have a faith in them. Regardless of how the economy grows, in the end, the economy is growing. And there exists no difference between the 1% of the wealthy in Armenia versus the 1% in the United States, capitalism is, essentially, the motive behind the corruption. Corruption exists because individuals in power are thinking like capitalist, it has no connection to Soviet ideology. People generally forget about the corruption in the United States, it didn't change overnight.

By the way, I don't trust half Hriyas, its in their kharown to screw over the gentile. The kharown is political in spirit. And I don't trust the French nor the English, in fact, I don't trust any Russian or Iranian, likewise, I don't think they trust Armenians. Alliances are based on interests, to debate this very absolute of politics is just idiotic, I don't see why they these morons think the Armenians in Armenia are motivated by anything other then their own interests. The reality is that the United States and Europe are not reliable allies due to geography and historically, Armenians put their faith in these powers only to be screwed in the process and blah blah ... it has been explained before.

I just can't understand why they expect the "red carpet treatment" from Armenians in Armenia and the halfwitt that wanted to "reconquer" Western Armenia, I, welcome it. Lets see you put your money where your mouth is. It is just funny how some in Diaspora expect anyone in Armenia to take them seriously? I have family there and I can tell you, they look at me as a foreigner, its only natural, you gotta go along at their level even if it means changing because the reality is they live in Armenia and you don't, live with it.

[Armenian]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

Very good observations, yeghpair. And not only about just that character but also about Onnik Krikorian, Tony Halpin, John Hugues and Van Krikorian. One word and they will be on the first plane back to wherever the hell they came from.

I am sure they are being watched by the authorities in Armenia. My concern, however, is that the general population over there that tends to be ignorant of western style geopolitics and always disgruntled with their rulers will fall victim to these types of characters. Regarding Richard Kirakosia: According to a source that contacted me quite unexpectedly, it seems that Richard is/was most definitely on the pay-role of the CIA or some other covert US State Deportment entity.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

Very well said Virgil, especially about diasporans respecting and taking into account the sentiments of the natives in Armenia.

Currently it's a bit of wishful thinking, unfortunately. The reality is that diasporans like yourself are not just minority, they are unique. However with your work here you can make a significant change in their attitudes when they go to Armenia.

[HayotzAmrotz]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

I am sure they are being watched by the authorities in Armenia. My concern, however, is that the general population over there that tends to be ignorant of western style geopolitics and always disgruntled with their rulers will fall victim to these types of characters. Regarding Richard Kirakosia: According to a source that contacted me quite unexpectedly, it seems that Richard is/was most definitely on the pay-role of the CIA or some other covert US State Deportment entity.

Your concern is justified. Our foreign enemies are making deals with our internal ones and they will use simple minded people to bring the heat on Armenia. But I'm 100 per cent confident that they will fail.

[Lernakan]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

`It is difficult but children grow up Armenians'

19-01-2008 16:13:50 - KarabakhOpen



Armond Takhmuzyan went to Karabakh from Iran in 1999. `I wanted to come
to Karabakh earlier but I had problems with my passport. At last they
permitted me, I arrived here and realized that there is plenty of hard
work,' Armond told us.

He was late for our meeting because he had to stand in line for water
from the source. In winter water freezes inside pipes in the house
where Armond's family lives, in summer there is little water in the
river, and again they have to carry water from the source.

Nevertheless, Armond, his wife Artemis and two children stay in
Karabakh.

Armond met his future wife Artemis in 2000 who first visited Karabakh
from Australia in 1993 together with Lady Cox.

`I am a xxxeler. In 2001 we opened the shop of souvenirs Nreni in
Stepanakert. We have decided to enlarge our business. I don't have much
money, but our friends promised to help with investments. We bought
land in front of the shop and decided to build a building and set up a
travel information center. My family will live on the first floor, we
will let the other rooms. Our partners will arrive here in summer, for
the rest of the year we will let rooms. We will donate the income,'
Armond says, showing the plan of the future hotel.

`We honor the law. Perhaps everyone knows that we did not come here to
earn money. Frankly speaking, we were never checked or fined. Although
I should note that administration is too rigid. Too much bureaucracy.
It is apparently the Soviet heritage. As well as the fact that people
are used to cheating the government. Bureaucracy is a nest for bribers.
These things may disappear if the country becomes richer,' Armond says
full of hope.

`Tax administration could have been different. For instance, as soon as
the tax service discovers a mistake, it immediately fines. I don't
think it is the right way. First it is necessary to warn about the
mistake and fine in case it repeats,' Artemis says.

`In our country it was different. When I worked in Iran, at the end of
each month the bank sent us an envelope with bills. We only paid the
bills. In case of problems, there are special offices you can turn to.
Karabakh is undergoing transition, but it is too slow. We don't want to
be a burden for anyone. On the contrary, we are trying to relieve
others' burden. Intelligent people come here. They must have an
opportunity to live and work,' Armond says.

`It is difficult but children grow up as Armenians,' Artemis adds.

http://groong.usc.edu/news/msg217438.html

[crusader1492]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

Compare Armond (in the article below) to the so-called "French-Armenian Entrepenuer" from the beginning of this thread.

It is s a contrast in selflessness vs selfishness....



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

`It is difficult but children grow up Armenians'

19-01-2008 16:13:50 - KarabakhOpen

Armond Takhmuzyan went to Karabakh from Iran in 1999. `I wanted to come
to Karabakh earlier but I had problems with my passport. At last they
permitted me, I arrived here and realized that there is plenty of hard
work,' Armond told us.

He was late for our meeting because he had to stand in line for water
from the source. In winter water freezes inside pipes in the house
where Armond's family lives, in summer there is little water in the
river, and again they have to carry water from the source.

Nevertheless, Armond, his wife Artemis and two children stay in
Karabakh.
Armond met his future wife Artemis in 2000 who first visited Karabakh
from Australia in 1993 together with Lady Cox.

`I am a xxxeler. In 2001 we opened the shop of souvenirs Nreni in
Stepanakert. We have decided to enlarge our business. I don't have much
money, but our friends promised to help with investments. We bought
land in front of the shop and decided to build a building and set up a
travel information center. My family will live on the first floor, we
will let the other rooms. Our partners will arrive here in summer, for
the rest of the year we will let rooms. We will donate the income,'
Armond says, showing the plan of the future hotel.

`We honor the law. Perhaps everyone knows that we did not come here to
earn money. Frankly speaking, we were never checked or fined. Although
I should note that administration is too rigid. Too much bureaucracy.
It is apparently the Soviet heritage. As well as the fact that people
are used to cheating the government. Bureaucracy is a nest for bribers.
These things may disappear if the country becomes richer,' Armond says
full of hope.

`Tax administration could have been different. For instance, as soon as
the tax service discovers a mistake, it immediately fines. I don't
think it is the right way. First it is necessary to warn about the
mistake and fine in case it repeats,' Artemis says.

`In our country it was different. When I worked in Iran, at the end of
each month the bank sent us an envelope with bills. We only paid the
bills. In case of problems, there are special offices you can turn to.
Karabakh is undergoing transition, but it is too slow. We don't want to
be a burden for anyone. On the contrary, we are trying to relieve
others' burden. Intelligent people come here. They must have an
opportunity to live and work,' Armond says.

`It is difficult but children grow up Armenians,' Artemis adds.

[Armenian]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

That was also the first thing that crossed my mind when I first read the article. You see enker, this Armond character displays what I call objectivity, selflessness and patriotism. As a people, we severely lack these traits. Our nation today is made up of people with severely overinflated egos, nothing else. That is why you always find me complaining about it.

Compare Armond (in the article below) to the so-called "French-Armenian Entrepenuer" from the beginning of this thread. It is a contrast in selflessness vs selfishness....

[Armenian]

Re: "Harsh reality" (HR) or "Armenian National Interest"(ANI)???

Some of the works by our "Individual Expert" and "Washington Based Analyst" Richard Giragosian (Kirakosian) - who, not too long ago, suddenly and quite miraculously was manifested within the Armenian community. Putting aside his theatrics regarding his claim that "Karabagh is [Armenian]", his political rhetoric is - verbatim - what comes out of US State Department regarding Armenian relations. The major themes being: Benefit for Armenia if Turkey should join the European Union; the benefits of opening Turkish-Armenian borders; Armenia would benefit if Georgia joins NATO; Armenia's main national threat is its corruption; Armenia's need to seek integrated into Europe/West; Armenia needs to distance itself from Moscow and Iran.

Richard Giragosian

Richard Giragosian is a Washington-based analyst specializing in international relations, with a focus on economics, security and political developments in the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. He is a regular contributor to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) publications, Transitions Online, and the Asia Times Online. He also covers politics, economics and security in the South Caucasus and the Japanese military for the London-based Jane’s Information Group. Since 2002, Giragosian has served as a guest lecturer for the John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center & School, U.S. Army, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Warfare Training Group (Airborne), Fort Bragg, NC.

For nine years, Giragosian served as a Professional Staff Member of the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress. As the committee’s principal staffer on the former Soviet Union and China, Giragosian was a liaison to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the Library of Congress, conducting Congressional hearings and issuing joint reports on international relations for Members of Congress. Giragosian has also written and lectured on developments in international affairs and has participated in select research and consulting projects for the U.S. Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as for NATO, the United Nations, the World Bank, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the U.S. Department of State, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). He is a member of the Academy of Political Science, the Central Eurasian Studies Association (CESS), the Association for the Study of Nationalities (ASN), the U.S. Naval Institute and the U.S. Naval War College Foundation. He has a BA in International relations from Providence, Rhode Island.

Source: http://www.armeniapedia.org/index.ph...ard_Giragosian

THE PARANOIA OF ARMENIAN POLITICS

by Richard Giragosian

[…]

From a broader perspective, and for much of the past 15 years of Armenia’s independence, politics have been largely confined to an ever narrowing set of issues, with little debate and even more limited discourse. Within the increasingly restricted political parameters, democratization has become disabled. This too is nothing new for Armenia. Yet there has been an interesting shift in Armenian politics in recent weeks, marked by a convergence between the politics of Armenian nationalism and the paranoia of Armenian politicians. This shift first emerged with the arrest and subsequent deportation of a prominent veteran of the Karabakh war. The authorities charged Lebanese-born Zhirair Sefilian, and his associate Vartan Malkasian, with plotting the violent overthrow of the Armenian leadership (see “RFE/RL Newsline,” December 11 and 12, 2006). The incident sparked immediate suspicion and apprehension, with some charging a conspiracy, linking the arrest to rumors of a possible breakthrough peace deal with Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh.

[…]

Yet what is most ironic is the pronounced and misplaced paranoia among the political elite. The real threat to their power comes not from anything that these people could or would do prior to elections. The real threat stems from the elections themselves, as the political elite still seems unable to realize that the May 2007 and 2008 elections are the true challenges, to them and to the country. And until the ruling elite recognizes the necessity for improved elections, arrests and deportations will do little to ensure stability and security in Armenia.

Issue Of NKR Status Closed, Says Expert Richard Kirakosian

The current military and political situation in the South Caucasus region is dangerous both for Armenia and the republic of Nagorno Karabakh. This viewpoint was expressed by individual expert Richard Kirakosian at the June 13 press conference. In his words, that situation will change in connection with the Georgia's membership of NATO, as well as with the 1bn military budget of Azerbaijan. The latter, in particular, in R. Kirakosian's words, is a great threat to Armenian security. But the expert believes that "if Azerbaijan wants to get Karabakh back through military action, then it is dreaming" as Azerbaijan is not so powerfully armed as it claims. Cory Welt, Analyst of the US Center for Stratagic and International Studies, mentioned that experts point out the necessity of compromises when speaking about such kinds of conflict. In Cory Welt's words, in the case of the Karabakh conflict there are no signs of compromise. However, Cory Welt believes that a variant of the problem's solution is the return of the liberated territories and only then can the status of Karabagh be settled. At the same time, the American analyst mentioned that he fully understands the fact that those territories are a security zone for Karabakh. Opposing Cory Welt's allegation, R. Kirakosian declared that the issue of Nagorno Karabakh's status is closed. "Karabakh is ours," he said.

Source: http://www.armeniadiaspora.com/ADC/news.asp?id=2325

OPENING THE ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER THREATENS THE POSITIONS OF ARMENIAN MONOPOLISTS

On August 13, at the Strategic and National Studies Institute of Armenia was held a discussion dedicated to the adoption of the Armenian Resolution by the US Congress and its possible influences on the relations between Armenia and Turkey and the US foreign policy, as well as the main threats to strategic and economic relations. Speaking on the topic international relations scientist Richard Kirakosian first of all outlined the Kurdish problem, an issue of Tukey's national security, and marked it as a means of preserving stability in the region.

As Mr. Kirakosian represented the situation, the military authorities of Turkey for the first time have admitted the necessity of opening the border with Armenia. To the opinion of the Armenia side, opening the Armenia-Turkey border will promote development of trade, reduce the dependency of Armenian economy from Georgia, and finally remove the economical blockade from Armenia. It is more remarkable, that to Mr. Kirakosian's opinion opening the border will also encourage growth of competition inside Armenia, which naturally does not meet the interests of a group of people holding economic monopoly in Armenia. In sense of military strategy, Kirakosian emphasized the difficulties in America-Turkey relations and Tukrkey's doubts about choosing between European and Asian ways of development. The relations between the USA and Turkey are becoming tougher because of the Kurdish issue, as, irrespective of Tukey's interest, the Kurds remain Washington's only allies in the war in Iraq.

In any case, Kirakosian considers that the membership of Turkey the European Union will be beneficial to Armenia, as the borders of the EU will draw nearer to Armenia and Turkey become constrained by the European "strait-jacket". Moreover, in case of being granted membership, Turkey will have to reduce its military forces. Mr. Kirakosian also made another remarkable statement: the greatest threat to Armenia's national security comes not from abroad, but from inside. Armenian statehood is most threatened by global regress, caused by corruption and so-called "good management". "Azg" reporter asked Mr. Kirakosian's opinion about Turkey's possible involvement and real role in the peace process and Nagorno-Karabakh. Richard Kirakosian replied, "Turkey has realized that the blockade did not work and that there a only a few possible moves left to do. Thus Turkey became the 'prisoner' of Azerbaijan."

Kirakosian noticed that Turkey is of course not pleased of depending on Baku, especially now when Turkey is no more the number one military partner of Azerbaijan. Turkey has been replaced by the USA and Russia. Kirakosian said that at the same time he remains more concerned with Russia's "treachery" rather than Turkey's interference to the Karabakh process. Richard Kirakosian also expressed original point of view on Armenia-Georgia relationships. Particularly, Kirakosian, specializing in studies of political situation in Central Asian and Post-Soviet states, said that Armenia's enmity with Azerbaijan is at least certain. "Armenia knows well that Azerbaijan is an enemy, but Georgia is unpredictable: one day it is an enemy, the other a good friend," he added. By the way Kirakosian advised the Foreign Ministry of Armenia resign the issue of recognition of Armenian Genocide as a priority of national foreign policy and pay more attention rather to the economic blockade of Armenia, a violation of international law perpetrated by Turkey.

Source: http://www.armtown.com/news/en/azg/20070815/2007081501/

ACCORDING TO THE LEBANESE-ARMENIAN ANALYST, DIASPORA IS TIRED OF ARMENIA-CENTRIC APPROACH

[..]

"Global changes are taking place in Turkey today: with the most important issue of selection of the Eastern or Western policy. For Armenia, it's better if Turkey will be integrated into the European Union, but the last processes prompt that Turkey is not very eager to be a part of Europe, because of the Kurdish issue in Iraq", said American-Armenian analyst Richard Kirakosian, who was also the guest of "Urbat" club. What about the presidential elections in Turkey, we may not expect significant changes in Armenian-Turkish relations, if the president of Turkey becomes Abdullah Gul. It's because of the global processes in Turkey, where the personal leadership does not have a significant role. The most important is the strategy of Turkish policy: issues of originality, place and role. Changes in Armenian-Turkish relations are connected with the solution of the inner issues of Turkish reality. Therefore, the Armenian-Turkish border will stay closed, until these issues are not solved.

There are three groups of factors in the region, according to Richard Kirakosian. The first is the group of political factors that are connected with the elections, and here Armenia comes first. Here NKR democratic elections have also an important role. The second group is related to geopolitical factors: Georgia aims to Europe, Azerbaijan runs a Central-Asian policy, and here is a danger to Armenia - to be more isolated. The third group involves the military changes in the region, where the military balance is not kept because of the Azerbaijan's progressive development. Against this background, Iran becomes a more important opportunity for Armenia, but according to Kirakosian, Iran attaches more importance to the relations with Azerbaijan than Armenia today. On August 21 Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad started his two-day official visit to Azerbaijan to discuss issues of energetics and transport, instead, Iranian vice-president visited Armenia to discuss sport issues. Armenia should not underestimate its significance for Russia and Iran. Armenia's ties with Iran are much more specified and steady than Iran-Azerbaijan ties, said Richard Kirakosian.

What about the blockade, the American-Armenian analyst thinks that it's a non-active war and there are different ways to raise that issue: World Trade Organization, presence of the World Bank in Turkey, etc. World Trade Organization has penalties for that kind of blockade and Armenia can show a diplomatic initiative in this sphere, as that kind of blockade is a non-active war according to International Law. Another opportunity is Armenia-EU projects, as the European Union is the most suitable place to raise those issues, according to R. Kirakosian. He also mentioned that NATO is another place to raise those issues: Turkey is already in NATO, and if Georgia unites in NATO, it's another opportunity to raise the issue of the blockade of Armenia there.

Source: http://www.armtown.com/news/en/azg/20070823/2007082301/

US analyst: Georgia is “unpredictable neighbor” for Armenia

Turkey’s joining the European Union can play a positive role for Armenia, US analyst Richard Kirakosian announced at a news conference in Yerevan today. A REGNUM correspondent quotes him as saying that EU membership envisages reduction of the country’s military reserves. “In this case, Turkey will pose less threat to Armenia in the military point of view,” the expert noted. According to the analyst, Turkey’s membership in the European Union can pose problems for the European community, which is facing the threat of Islamic terror. As for Armenia’s geopolitical position in the South Caucasus area, according to Kirakosian, Yerevan is facing not only the question of the Armenian Genocide recognition by Ankara, but the blockade carried out by Turkey and Azerbaijan, as all those factors are hampering economic development of the country. Moreover, opening borders with Armenia are a positive factor for Turkey as well. “It will add to the economic development of Kurdish areas in the Turkish territory, which will become guarantee of stability in the country,” he said. As for another Armenia’s neighbor, Georgia, Kirakosian called it “unpredictable.” As the analyst believes, the country is every time using its position “as a kind of bridge between Armenia and Russia.” He also noted that in the situation when Georgia is aspiring to Europe, and Azerbaijan to Central Asia, one of primary tasks for Armenia is the way to the European integration. “Otherwise, Yerevan can be left alone,” he said. However, the most serious threat for Armenia is coming from the inside instead from the outside. “Bribery is ripening in Armenia and the good governance is under regress,” concluded Richard Kirakosian.

Source: http://www.regnum.ru/english/870322.html