US calling for regime change in Armenia

[Joseph]

Here we go again. The US, is the name of "democracy" is essentially calling for regime change in Armenia. Here is why all Armenians should be angry at this whether they support the current regime, the opposition or those who remain indifferent:

1. The motives for the US call are unclear. It seems the under the guise of "democracy" and "reform" what they really want is the current regime to be replaced with a pliant, puppet regime that corresponds with US interests. It seems this is because Armenia has good relations with Russia and Iran and is not cooperating with US efforts via Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia- which are might be good for the US but harmful for Armenia.

2. Why is the US not making the same statements regarding Azerbaijan where the ruling clan is infinitely more corrupt, violent, undemocratic, entrenched? Could it be its because they have oil and are also having issues with Russia and Iran? Azerbaijan just got rid of term limits so the Aliyev clan can remain in power indefinitely.

3.While supporting the opposition in Armenia (Levon Ter- Petrossian), they conveniently forget/omit that LTP, his party/regime was far more corrupt and undemocratic than any regime that has followed since. They went so far as banning political parties with US support back in 1994.

4. The US is clearly trying its best to force Armenia to look west despite the fact that the west's (NATO, Turkey, etc) interests have been harmful to Armenia and its interests.

5. I believe that the US Ambassador/US State Department call for Armenia to reform is actually counter-productive. Calls like this coming from the US at this juncture considering what is happening in the Middle East and after the fallout from Wikileaks when trust in the US is at zero will actually impede reforms. WHy would anyone believe the US when it is clearly two-faced, supports criminal regimes around the globe, etc?

http://www.rferl.org/content/us_envoy_armenia/2323771.html

U.S. Envoy Calls For 'Deep Changes' In Armenia

U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch
February 28, 2011
The U.S. ambassador to Armenia says Yerevan needs to hold free elections and embark on other "deep" reforms if it is to fulfill President Serzh Sarkisian's recent pledge to turn Armenia into a full-fledged democracy, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.

Marie Yovanovitch's call -- in an address to students, civic activists, and media representatives at Yerevan State University today -- came a day ahead of a planned opposition demonstration to mark the third anniversary of postelection unrest that left 10 people dead.

Yovanovitch also urged authorities to strengthen civil society, saying it is "vital" for the country's democratization, prosperity, and even national security.

In a December speech before members of his Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), Sarkisian said the existing political order could lead to "stagnation" without a "deepening of democracy." He called for a "consistent introduction of European standards into all areas of our state, public, and economic lives."

Yovanovitch cited the latter passage in her address today.

"Clearly, the solution is not to restrict freedom of speech or access to ideas, or to restrict the right of citizens to assemble in support of those ideas, but rather to take those ideas -- even the criticisms of our opponents -- seriously and debate them in public on their merits," she said.

"The well-developed democracy and more active political dialogue that President [Sarkisian] spoke of will require deep and difficult changes," she added. "It will require reforms to Armenia's laws, institutions, and political culture to expand individual liberty, freedom, and responsibility."

That, Yovanovitch said, means "applying laws consistently to everyone" and holding elections that "meet not only international standards but also the expectations and demands of the Armenian people." She also stressed the importance of "ensuring that peaceful, lawful assemblies will not be harassed or broken up," expanding media freedom and pluralism, and punishing "criminals who assault journalists."

"What happens to the young if their entrepreneurial dreams are crushed by unfair competition against politically connected businesses, or if expressing controversial ideas puts them and their families at risk of retribution?" Yovanovitch asked.

"What happens if individuals can't organize and lobby their government, or if the elections to choose their leaders don't appear to be free and fair? What happens if they are unable to hear, and share, a variety of opinions in the media?"

The United States has criticized the conduct of virtually all major Armenian elections, including the February 2008 vote that formalized the handover of power from former President Robert Kocharian to Sarkisian.

[Mos]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

Well she never declared that there should be a regime change - just that there should be reforms made to the electoral system and conduction of elections. If she advocated regime change, Serzh would kick her out of the country.

I bet during Georgia's elections US was praising it's "democratic nature". But US shouldn't be talking when it comes to democracy, they support dictatorships like Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Basically, if you kiss US's a*s they will deem your elections "democratic". Countries basically pay to have that label attached to their country.

[ninetoyadome]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

Well she never declared that there should be a regime change - just that there should be reforms made to the electoral system and conduction of elections. If she advocated regime change, Serzh would kick her out of the country.

I bet during Georgia's elections US was praising it's "democratic nature". But US shouldn't be talking when it comes to democracy, they support dictatorships like Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Basically, if you kiss US's a*s they will deem your elections "democratic". Countries basically pay to have that label attached to their country.

The US supports those that support the US. They dont care if your a dictator as long as you are support there interests. Lets not forget how the US put Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Aliyev, etc.

[levon]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

The US supports those that support the US. They dont care if your a dictator as long as you are support there interests. Lets not forget how the US put Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Aliyev, etc.

The US can kiss our hairy Armenian a$$es

[Mos]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

The US supports those that support the US. They dont care if your a dictator as long as you are support there interests. Lets not forget how the US put Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro, Aliyev, etc.

Well of course - in the end of the day US is just another ordinary country that's after its self interests, and if it means abandoning the principles that it professes to hold, then no problem. Remember in this world, countries don't have the luxury for principles - they may utilise principles for some things, but really it's just a competition for geopolitical and economic position. So we shouldn't really be surprised that US is a hypocrite in all of this, in all we shouldn't be surprised when any country is a hypocrite in this way.

[KanadaHye]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

Well of course - in the end of the day US is just another ordinary country that's after its self interests, and if it means abandoning the principles that it professes to hold, then no problem. Remember in this world, countries don't have the luxury for principles - they may utilise principles for some things, but really it's just a competition for geopolitical and economic position. So we shouldn't really be surprised that US is a hypocrite in all of this, in all we shouldn't be surprised when any country is a hypocrite in this way.

The U.S. isn't a country, it's a giant corporation with several branches.

[Mos]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

The U.S. isn't a country, it's a giant corporation with several branches.

Well it's not the only government to be heavily swayed by big business and monopolies. One large difference though is the heavy influence of the Israeli lobby - but when it comes to the influence of big corporations and so on, you can find that in other countries as well.

[Haykakan]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

The U.S. isn't a country, it's a giant corporation with several branches.

I would say it is a group of coorporations with each having its own interests.

[Eddo211]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

... I believe that the US Ambassador/US State Department call for Armenia to reform is actually counter-productive. Calls like this coming from the US at this juncture considering what is happening in the Middle East and after the fallout from Wikileaks when trust in the US is at zero will actually impede reforms. WHy would anyone believe the US when it is clearly two-faced, supports criminal regimes around the globe, etc?

US has been decreasing its aid to Armenia but I believe President Sarkisan will reverse that as promised since reforms are needed regardless. I wouldn't read too much into this. I think Azerbaijan has also been warned but as you said different rules.

[KarotheGreat]

Re: US calling for regime change in Armenia

Marie Yovanovitch, Raffi Hovannisian and Regime Change in Armenia - March, 2011

Smelling blood once again, the American embassy in Armenia has been getting active as of late. It is no surprise to anyone that has been following regional affairs that Washington is seeking a regime change in Armenia. However, it may surprise many that Washington's main problem with Yerevan is not the lack of "democracy" in Armenia but the lack of America in Armenia. For Washingtonian officials, the main problem is that our tiny, poor and landlocked republic in the Caucasus has been a serious geopolitical problem for the Western alliance. Since its independence in 1991, Armenia's presence has been a serious obstacle for Western policy makers and major oil/gas corporations. According to them, the problem with Armenia is essentially its historic rivalry with Turks/Azeris and its historic alliance with the Russian Federation. These two aforementioned characteristics of Armenia have turned the nation into a problematic factor in the Caucasus for political entities such as the European Union, United States, Britain, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Israel. Had it not been for the Russian military presence in the country, Armenia would have suffered Serbia's fate (if not worst) a long time ago. With wide-spread political upheaval and bloodshed gripping the region, Washington officials sense an opportunity in Armenia once again. As a result, the American embassy in Armenia has been ordered to become more active in Armenia's internal affairs, although the embassy officials are naturally stating otherwise.

Before I further address this issue further, I'd like to take a quick look at the freedom and democracy loving American ambassador to Armenia, Marie L. Yovanovitch.

Here is her Biography: http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/113989.htm

According to her US State Department web-page, Yovanovitch is a graduate of the National War College. She has been working in the Foreign Service since 1986. Not surprisingly, Yovanovitch has been trained to specialize in Russian affairs. According to the non-Washington affiliated Armenian think tank, Voskanapat, her professors have been people like Dr. Stephen Blank, a well known Armenophobe and a Russophobe (and most probably a Turcophile). Interestingly, Yovanovitch was the Deputy Chief of Mission of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine between 2001-2004. More interestingly, Ukraine had its "Orange Revolution" in 2004. Interestingly, Yovanovitch was the American ambassador to Kyrgyzstan between 2005-2008. More interestingly, Kyrgyzstan had its "Tulip Revolution" in 2005.

It's very clear that this Marie Yovanovitch character has been Washington's kiss of death in Eurasia.

And for the past two years, Washington has been gracing our very own Armenia with Yovanovitch's wonderful presence. Our little, landlocked, blockaded and impoverished nation surrounded by enemies in one of the most volatile places on earth is now clearly in Washington's sights. Simply put: Washington wants a change of government in Armenia. And as I have mentioned on numerous previous occasions - it's all about Russia and it's all due to oil/gas. Despite its backing by Moscow, Armenia remains politically vulnerable to Washington's machinations essentially because Armenia has not yet gotten its economic situation in order, especially now that the world is being plagued by an economic crisis (a situation that was in fact created by the financial elite in the West). Thus, when the masses are hungry (not to mention politically ignorant), they think with their stomachs and not with their brains. History teaches us that when the politically ignorant masses are hungry, they consistently fall victim to manipulation and exploitation by meddling superpowers. Armed with one of the largest US embassies on earth (in other words, one of the largest CIA facilities on earth), Armenia's ignorant and hungry masses have now become one of Washington's main targets.

Disclaimer: I have no problems with traditional/classical western values or western culture. As a matter of fact, I am an advocate of true western and European values. My primary problem is with the political West. My primary problem is with the political/financial elite in the western world that uses the rich cultural legacy of Europe to achieve self-serving gains around the world at the expense of smaller and/or vulnerable nations.

Why should we Armenians be afraid of the political West? After all, don't westerners have good lives and are constantly smiling?

Well, unfortunately, the reality of the matter is that in order for western peoples to continue living good and smiling - lesser nations around the world will have to live in poverty and despair. Death and destruction in foreign lands in the name of wholesale plunder is what makes a global empire like the Western alliance happy, wealthy and powerful. If any of you truly think that the West is going to bring happiness and prosperity to Armenia, you have a serious problem with hallucinations. Similarly, if any of you think that by simply ousting president Serj Sargsyan's government, Armenia will fall into the hands of patriots, you also need to have your heads examined.

Despite what some may want to believe, those waiting for and/or promoting a regime change from political sides-lines in Armenia are not Armenian patriots.

Despite what some news "analysts" claim, Western officials are not seeking the "Egyptification" of Armenia but rather the Libyanification or the Iranification of Armenia. And the massive American embassy in Yerevan is not their only asset in the tiny republic with which to attempt a regime change. Washington is also armed with a full array of propaganda outlets that are well embedded inside Armenian society (Radio Liberty/Armenia Liberty, ArmeniaNow, Hetq, A1 Plus and Asbarez... to name some of the major ones). Washington has modern tools such as Twitter and Facebook at their disposal. Washington has the support of a small army of American educated Armenian activists. Washington has the added benefit of relying on Armenia's clueless "opposition" and Levon Petrosian and his self-destructive peasantry. And Washington has the direct and indirect services of well positioned professionals in Armenia such as Richard Giragosian, Vartan Oskanian and last but not least - Raffi Hovannisian.

Speaking of Washingtonian assets in Armenia: Raffi Hovannisian clearly seems to have become the primary person in Armenia that officials in Washington are placing their bets on. Before I continue, further perspective on the Hovannisian family:

Forget the Kardashians, meet the real xxxxxs of the Armenian-American society - the Hovannisians: http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/...xxxxxs-of.html

Who will decide Armenia's destiny -- patriots or tyrants? http://theriseofrussia.blogspot.com/...ia-turned.html

They are currently grooming Raffi for the next presidential elections in Armenia. They are carefully crafting for him the persona of a honest and incorruptible patriot that they will later present to the Armenian public as Armenia's savior. As they give Raffi a complete PR makeover, watch for the Richard Giragosian and Vartan Oskanian types to back him and watch for Washington funded propaganda outlets to disseminate pro-Raffi reports and commentaries. Just prior to posting this commentary, I noticed that Vartan Oskanian had already began his mission. [See ArmeniaNow article about him posted below] Going forward, if all works out well, Washington will spare no efforts in promoting Raffi's presidential candidacy. Various other Western assets in the Armenian diaspora (segments within the ARF and virtually the entire Armenian Assembly of America) will begin supporting Raffi as well. A whole slew of American educated Armenians will begin traveling to Armenia as political or "humanitarian" activists. And since we are living in the 21th century, we can also expect to see a team of internet personalities (human and otherwise) participating in Raffi praise and worship.

What they have started doing is carefully preparing the field upon which Raffi will be expected to play. They have carried-out these types of operations inside many nations for many years. Thus, they have more than ample experience. And having found willing partners inside the Armenian community, they have ample amount of hope.