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Interview to the Armenian Mirror Spectator

1. Q. Mr. Ambassador, this past year has been a tumultuous year for us in Armenia and the Diaspora. What have been your achievements and setbacks during this period?
A. I arrived in the United States in November 1999, and submitted my Letter of Credence to President Clinton on February 3, 2000. Thus, my tenure in the U.S. started against the backdrop of the most tumultuous and volatile period in the modern Armenia history, resulting from the October 27 terrorist act in the Armenian parliament. Speaker Karen Demirchian, Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian, and six other officials perished on that day. From October 1999 to April 2000, the domestic political scene in Armenia stagnated, which also affected Armenia's foreign policy initiatives. This is perhaps the biggest setback that I faced since I arrived.

Nevertheless, as I met my counterparts at the State Department, National Security Council, the Pentagon, other executive departments, as well as in the United States Congress, I sought to reassure them that the will of the Armenian people to continue building a secure, democratic, and prosperous Republic is unbreakable. I believe that this message was accepted by my American counterparts, and this is what happened in the end - the situation in Armenia stabilized.

One of the most positive developments in the U.S.-Armenian relations this year was the strengthening of institutional ties between two countries. Following the agreement reached between the late Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsian and Vice President Albert Gore in September 1999, the U.S.-Armenia Economic Task Force was set up and had two very productive meetings. The first one was held in May in Yerevan, and the second one - in Washington in September. During two rounds of sessions, the Task Force discussed issues of real value and importance to Armenia: U.S. assistance in private sector development, energy sector needs, combating corruption, and legal reforms.

You know that personal diplomacy and official visits do play an important role in the international diplomacy. Armenian President Robert Kocharian visited Washington last June, and had a number of productive meetings with President Clinton, Vice President Gore, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt, members of the Armenian Caucus, other distinguished Members of Congress and officials of the executive agencies. The President also met the Armenian-American community leaders. During his September visit to the United Nations, he presided over a business forum in New York dedicated to promoting foreign investment in Armenia.

Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanian visited in April to meet with Diaspora leaders and U.S. Co-chairs of the Minsk Group. Then, in July we had an important visit by Defense Minister Serge Sargsyan, which culminated in the signing of a bilateral agreement on non-proliferation - an issue of concern to our governments. Finally, a high-ranking Armenian delegation from the Foreign and Defense Ministries met with its U.S. counterparts last October for security dialog talks, discussing issues of security cooperation and non-proliferation. These visits provided the necessary momentum for the U.S.-Armenian relations, and will strengthen the ties between our countries.

Since I arrived last November, I have visited most centers of Armenian life in this country. In a way, this past year was a "reconnaissance" for me, as I got to know the community leaders, Armenian organizations, civic groups, and concerned individuals. I think I now have a pretty good idea of "who is who," and this will definitely help me in my job as the chief representative of the Republic of Armenia in this country.

2. The Congressional deliberations on the Resolution 596, Turkish pressures, and the U.S. position on the issue.

There are several points to be made here. First, the resolution encouraged an adequate response to the concerns of hundreds of thousands of U.S. citizens of Armenian descent, that were expressed through grassroots advocacy of civic organizations and public-minded individuals. Secondly, the Turkish response to the Congressional action was absolutely inadequate, and was delivered in a threatening and negative tone. For the record, I would like to state Armenia's official position on this issue:

" Armenia regards the horrible tragedy of 1915 as Genocide, i.e., as a premeditated campaign to exterminate and deport the Armenian people in the Ottoman Empire, conducted by the Ottoman Government during and under the cover of World War I. The campaign directed against the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire can be described as Genocide under the 1948 Geneva Convention.
" Supporting an international recognition of the Armenian Genocide is on the foreign policy agenda of Armenia. As an independent nation, we are committed to prevention of ethnic cleansing and other crimes against humanity. We believe that an international recognition of the Armenian Genocide will serve the dual purpose of exposing the first Genocide of the XX century and better prevention of new Genocides.
" For Armenia, it serves a humanistic, noble purpose of upholding historical justice. This effort is not aimed against the Turkish people or government. We know from history that many Turks have helped save their Armenian neighbors from the massacres, and many Turkish citizens spoke to recognize the Genocide as well, defying their own authorities.
" Since its independence in 1991, the Republic of Armenia has continuously sought to establish good relations with its neighbor Turkey, without any preconditions. Nine years and many efforts later, the Turkish Government still refuses to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia, creates hurdles for good bilateral relations, and blockades Armenia's border with Turkey.

As you know, the Speaker of the House of Representatives pulled the Resolution from a floor vote, which, I think, would have been in the favor of the affirmation of the U.S. record on this Genocide, at the specific request of the U.S. administration. President Clinton cited U.S. national interests in the Middle East and unstable situation there in justifying his request to Speaker Hastert, and the latter could not ignore such a request.

I am not in a position to comment on this, as it is formally an internal process for the U.S. Government. I, however, want to make the following points. Even though the Resolution failed to be adopted, we do not think that the effort was in vain. As President Robert Kocharian mentioned in his recent interview to the Armenian National Television, the discussions in Congress sparked a lively debate in the American press, raising the awareness of the American public on this issue. The Washington Post alone published at least seven-eight articles on the Armenian Genocide in October, which is all the more remarkable given that the news cycle was primarily defined by the Presidential election. There were articles in The New York Times, LA Times, Boston Globe, and other respected media organs. Finally, even though the Turkish politicians and media reacted viciously to this attempt to uphold historic justice, it was perhaps the first time in the history of modern Turkish state that this subject was treated in an open fashion by the Turkish media and public figures alike.

As President Kocharian pointed out, we Armenians do not pursue the recognition of the Genocide for the purpose of seeking monetary or other redress, because nothing can compensate our nation for all the suffering and deaths that took place in 1915. What we seek is an undoing of the historical wrong, and an eventual Turkish-Armenian rapprochement, which is impossible without acknowledgement of the dark chapters in our history. We certainly do not fear a thorough historical research or inquiry into the Genocide, as there is an overwhelming body of evidence on the Genocide. After all, this was the finding of the Turkish tribunal in 1919, which sentenced the perpetrators of the Genocide to death in absentia.

The Resolution has galvanized the Armenian-American community and organizations, and helped forge an unprecedented consensus among all major partisan players: the ANC and the Armenian Assembly, the Prelacy and the Diocese. In the Congress, there was a bipartisan cooperation on this issue between the Democrats and Republicans. This proves once again that the affirmation of the Armenian Genocide is about humanistic, universal ideals and values that need to be enforced.

And the final point I want to make is that one reason the Resolution has come so close to being adopted is the existence of an independent Republic of Armenia. It is not the first time that such a resolution was circulated in the U.S. Congress, and all of us remember the last attempt, when Senator Bob Dole led the charge. But the very fact that Armenia is no longer a mere entry in history textbooks or an atlas was a major factor in the Congressional discussions this year. Let me go one step further and state that when we succeed in making Armenia a strong, prosperous, and secure democracy, this will immensely enhance Armenia's international position. This will also be a good memorial to the memory of our ancestors who died in Genocide.

3. What does the Armenian Government expect from the Armenian-American community and can we deliver it?

As I said earlier, during my first year as Ambassador to the U.S., I tried to have as many meetings as possible with Diaspora groups and leaders. I briefed them on the situation in Armenia and worked hard to dispel the pessimistic views that took hold in the wake of the October 27 terrorist act. I wanted to promote interest in the Armenian economy, and I told them of many opportunities and success stories among those who have invested or traded with Armenia. In turn, I had the opportunity to find out more about the issues of concern to our community, their great potential and their dedication to the homeland.

What is clear to me is that, despite the many problems and different perceptions that exist between the Republic and the Diaspora, our people have two major aspirations: first, making Armenia a strong, prosperous, and democratic country, and, second, preserve the Armenian identity and culture outside the Homeland, in the Diaspora. This dual objective will help strengthen both the Diaspora and the Republic, and will contribute to eventual forging of a single cultural identity. Without serious involvement by the Diaspora businessmen it will be difficult to achieve real economic progress in Armenia, and the Government is taking steps to make it easier for Armenian business people anywhere in the world to invest in Armenia and profit from those investments.

There are already several success stories, and serious projects in this area. The Lincy Foundation has over $150 million in reserve for business projects in Armenia, and there are other international and U.S. sources of finance. Epygi Lab, an American hi-tech company owned by Sam Simonian, will invest $20 million in its Yerevan branch over the next five years. This comes as a result of an agreement signed during the September 2000 business conference in New York, where President Robert Kocharian was present. We recognize that investing in Armenia bears certain risks and can be difficult because of certain institutional, legal, and bureaucratic barriers. The Embassy is ready in this regard to serve as a bridge to Armenia, assisting those who are interested in investing and also getting business leads and proposals from Armenia.

The Armenian Americans have an important and unique role in promoting this objective. As one of the most politically influential segment of the Diaspora, this community carries a strong moral, cultural, spiritual, and material potential. Moreover, you stand out for your civic duty, family values and personal successes, and you are a source of pride and inspiration for all of us in Armenia.

4. What are your plans for the year 2001?
The Embassy will continue to work on further strengthening U.S.-Armenian relations and dialogue on Nagorno-Karabakh conflict settlement, security affairs, U.S. assistance to Armenia, economic and trade relations. At the same time, there are several important events that will happen in 2001.

First, and foremost, we celebrate the 1700th anniversary of Christianity in Armenia, and we will work together with all Armenian Churches and groups in the United States to make this a truly unique celebration. This will be an excellent opportunity to present our culture, Church, and identity to the world, and rededicate ourselves to our true values based on Christianity. I am sure there will be many pilgrims to Armenia who would like to visit the traditional Christian sites in Armenia. This anniversary is another testimony to the vitality and perseverance of the Armenian people.

September 21, 2001 marks another important anniversary for the Armenian nation, as the Republic of Armenia celebrates its first decade of existence. The Armenian people suffered enormously in the twentieth century, but we enter the new millennium with the greatest achievement and gift, that of independence. An independent Republic of Armenia has been the dream and aspiration of generations of Armenians, and we are fortunate to have witnessed this dream become reality. Yet we have an immense responsibility to preserve Armenia's independence and integrity, and make it a home for all Armenians. We should not waver in our determination to build a stable, open, economically prosperous, and socially progressive society.

Finally, the Armenian Government plans to have a business forum in New York in 2001 to promote the Armenian industry and projects of interest to potential investors, especially in the small and medium businesses. I encourage everyone to take part in that forum.

5. How is your job different from your predecessor?
The Foreign Service and diplomacy have a number of rules, among which the principle of rotation of diplomats is one of the most important. While Ambassadors come and go, the Embassy continues to operate and provide continuity. My predecessor, Ambassador Robert Shugarian, has worked in the United States for seven years. Those seven years were critical in the history of the U.S.-Armenian relations, as Amb. Shugarian presided over establishment of the Armenian Embassy in Washington, DC. He established first contacts with the U.S. Government officials and the Diaspora, and left a rich legacy in Washington. I know how hard it is to be a pioneer - I led the Armenian Embassy in Greece from 1994 to 1999.

At the same time, Ambassador Shugarian arrived in 1993, on a wave of euphoria and optimism in this community and in Armenia. The times have now changed, and our hearts and minds are more hardened now. But I want to say how much I appreciate the extraordinary job that my predecessor carried out in the United States and the indelible mark he made on the U.S.-Armenian relations. He continues to work in the Foreign Ministry, as Deputy Minister, and he oversees Armenia's relations with the U.S. and the countries in the Middle East.

6. What does Armenia need most from the U.S.?
As I said earlier, Armenia's relations with the United States are excellent. We cooperate on a whole gamut of issues, from commercial to economic to security affairs. We acknowledge the leading role the United States plays in helping negotiate a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, and we expect the U.S. to continue doing this and be a balanced player in South Caucasus.

Armenia, as an independent country with legitimate national security needs, has its own interests and policies in our part of the world. The underlying premise for our dialog with the United States is that viewing our region from our respective capitals, Washington and Yerevan, may not always produce similar images. The aim of our diplomatic efforts is to accentuate our shared interests and bridge whatever differences we may have. The major shared components of our agenda is ensuring territorial integrity and security of Armenia, resolution of the Nagorno Karabakh conflict, elimination of all political and economic barriers to trade and economic development in the region, including lifting the blockades established by Turkey and Azerbaijan, improving the Armenian-Turkish relations, helping the South Caucasus countries achieve necessary cohesion in terms of political, economic, and security improvement.

We expect that Armenia will continue to be recipient of the U.S. Government assistance, which is crucial for Armenia's economic development. This year, $90 million was allocated to Armenia by the Congress, of which $15 million are earmarked for the so-called SESAME project. This project, aimed to build a modern particle accelerator in Armenia, is a testimony to the continuing edge Armenia holds in scientific field of theoretical physics. The U.S. assistance also helps lay out the institutional framework for the legal and economic system, and rebuild the earthquake zone.

As of now (Nov 25), it is not yet definitely clear who will lead the next Administration, but Armenia is not worried about the outcome. It's been fascinating to watch the electoral process in this country, and we think it's a good lesson in civics and democracy. We have confidence that no matter who wins, the Administration - and it will be a new Administration in any case - will continue the strategic course of the past eight years, which was to assist Armenia's economic and democratic development and promote peace and stability in our part of the world.

Armenia has dedicated friends on both sides of the House and Senate, and I extend my sincere congratulations to all members of the Armenian Caucus who were reelected this year. I also wish to thank Sen. Spencer Abraham, Rep. John Porter, Rep. Sam Gejdenson, Rep. Bob Franks, and Rep. James Rogan, who have worked hard in the past to help Armenia. I join the Armenian-American community in wishing them well in their future endeavors.

7. What are your long-term plans?
Diplomats, like most civil servants and military cannot have long-term plans, they have to go where the country sends them. In the short term, I hope to be able to use the office of Armenian Ambassador to the U.S. to further strengthen the U.S.-Armenian relations, enhance the dialog between Armenia and the Diaspora, and promote foreign investment in Armenia.

I also plan to continue my academic activities. I am an historian by training and worked in the National Academy of Sciences before I joined the Foreign Ministry. My most recent publication is "British Diplomacy and the Question of Western Armenia," which was published as my doctoral thesis in November 1999. I have recently put together a book with a series of articles published in the American press between 1894 and 1900 on the subject of the Armenian Massacres in Turkey in 1894-1896. My book will be just another step in the quest for affirmation of the darkest chapters of our history. Effectively, I am focusing on the public reaction to the 1894-1896 massacres in the Western countries, as expressed through the newspaper editorials, articles and field reports. I will also release the second volume of this book, which will contain articles from the British media.

8. Which is more important: domestic economic needs or raising Armenia's international profile?
These objectives cannot be viewed separately. Armenia's economic development is the sole foundation on which the strength and long-term viability of our Homeland and our people can be based. In today's world, a country's international profile is defined not only by its participation in the international fora or its conduct of relations with other countries, but also by how integrated it is in the international economy.

Armenia is very much active in the United Nations and other international organizations, and we have more than thirty embassies in foreign countries, through which to carry out bilateral relations. Yet, Armenia's economy remains our Achilles' heel, and I do believe that Armenia's economic rebirth is impossible without hard work of people in the Republic and in the Diaspora. There are some encouraging signs, like a 25% growth in our exports in the first nine months of 2000, most of it coming from small and medium businesses. In particular, Armenian exports to the U.S. nearly doubled in the last two years. You can now find Armenian produce, like light beverages, cognac, beer, preserves, dairy products, apparel, in stores in many parts of this country, like California, New York, and even in Washington, DC. There are sectors of the economy that attract foreign investment and perform very well, like the energy sector, software development, tourism, and others.

9. What can government do to stem emigration from Armenia?
There are many estimates as to how many people left Armenia. Armenia will hold its first post-independence census next year, and we will know how many people actually reside in Armenia. But even without the census, it is clear to everyone that this problem exists and is acute. There are several factors at play here.

Soviet Armenia's economy, which was approximately twice the size of current GDP, was anchored in the Soviet Union's command economy. By 1989 Armenia had developed heavy industry, including radio electronics, defense, and chemical industries. This was a blessing in disguise, because it allowed a high level of urban employment but made Armenia completely dependent on the Soviet Union. Cities were built that depended on one huge plant to provide employment, like Hrazdan, Charentsavan, Kapan. Pollution and social problems also arose.

Well, the Soviet Union no longer exists. Those enterprises that employed thousands of people are now idle, and the people who worked there found themselves out of job. The problem of unemployment is especially tough for those with fewer skills. Poverty is high: a U.N. study estimated that more 50% of population is vulnerable while 23% live in dire poverty. So, many people chose to leave Armenia rather than face the grim prospect of living off welfare. Armenia's budget, which is much smaller than it was a decade ago, is also strained with important expenditures on national defense and security, rebuilding the earthquake zone, and social welfare.

There was also inner migration, as people returned to rural areas. Armenia's agriculture is 100% in private hands, the only CIS country to have done so. Those who have emigrated send remittances back home, supplying much needed income. In economic terms, we have experienced an export of Armenia's most productive resource, its labor supply.
There are several factors that will contribute to the outflow of population. First, we need to foster development of small and medium size enterprises to allow many people to establish a small but reliable source of income. Privatization and foreign investment will allow restructuring of the existing industrial enterprises, and there are some examples that this is happening. An aluminum plant in Yerevan, KANAZ, established a joint venture with a Russian company, which allow to re-start production of aluminum foil and other products after a seven-year standstill. Armenia's copper and molybdenum mines in Lori and Syunik are working at great capacity. Vanadzor's Chemical factory will become operational soon. An apparel factory in Vanadzor, called Bazum, is exporting its products to foreign countries, and supplied 30,000 uniforms for the New York Police Department last year. As President Kocharian suggested in his interview to the National Television that I have already mentioned, the new projects, coupled with the Lincy Foundation projects and an estimated rise in tourism because of the 1700th Anniversary of Christianity may create up to 45,000 new jobs in Armenia next year.

The emigration of people from Armenia is the tragic result of underutilized economic potential. Nor is it an isolated phenomenon: we know from history that Ireland has suffered a similar brain-drain which is now being reversed. I have confidence that eventually, as Armenia's economic progress picks up, it will be possible to stop and reverse the migration in Armenia.

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