ROBERT KOTCHARYAN HAS HAD INTERNET-CONFERENCE

[MosJan]

ROBERT KOTCHARYAN HAS HAD INTERNET-CONFERENCE

07.09.2001

 

/PanARMENIAN.Net/ Today Armenia's president Robert Kotcharyan had internet-conference on information analytic internet-portal "GazetaSNG".ru.

While answering the question of PanARMENIAN.net regarding the role and importance of the Internet, he emphasized that "the world net has a serious place" in his work. He said that personally he did not use the Internet because of time shortage, but he is actively use the articles and information on internet-sites and the information that he received by E-mail. According to Kotcharyan, "authority and government bodies have to be controlled by the society and the Internet gives that opportunity".

The President pointed out, that "regime should be transparent and predictable". Toward this end, all state bodies in Armenia have their sites where they have to have information that is of public importance. Besides, according to the President, important projects having informational, educational and social purpose are implemented in the Armenian sector of the Internet. The president stated about the intention of further development of this orientation and expressed his strong belief that " to have any public data in Armenia and about Armenia will be a matter of some minutes in the nearest future ".

 

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[MosJan]

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"THE MAIN GOAL IS TO ESTABLISH PEACE", SAYS ROBERT KOCHARIAN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 7, ARMENPRESS: "Armenia for many times declared its adherence to packet settlement of Karabagh's conflict", said Armenian president Robert Kocharian during the Internet conference at GazetaSNG.ru. He stressed that in the case of such approach to the conflict's settlement the sides from the very beginning are well aware of what they will achieve and what they will lose.

According to him, Armenia has clearly formulated the three principals, which should be the basis of settlement: equal rights of the sides, impossibility of Karabagh's isolated existence, international guaranties of security for Karabagh's population. If these principals are strictly kept, Armenia is ready to consider possible compromise agreements, he said.

He also said that, in case of taking such a decision, the leaders of the sides, involved in the conflict, should be able to explain to their people the advantages of it and persuade to accept it. If the leaders are not capable of doing it "they do not have right to negotiate", he stated.

Answering the question of one of the participants of the conference on why not free at least one of the regions, which are under control of Armenia, Robert Kocharian stressed that the issue of people's self-determination is in the basis of the conflict and not the territorial claims. He said that the only aim of mentioned regions' being under control is to provide the security of Nagorno Karabagh's population. He reminded that these territories today are a part of a formed force balance, which is the basis of cease-fire, established in 1994. Any changes without guaranties of security may provoke war.

Concerning the question on if Armenia fears that Azerbaijan may carry out a "counter-terrorist operation", Robert Kocharian said that during the past years both sides created a strong defensive system and who resumes war will lose.

Concluding his interview, he said that it is necessary that Armenia and Azerbaijan as well as all the countries of the South Caucasus realize that the main goal is to establish peace. "The region can prosper only in case of establishing stability and peace. Armenian government is working in this direction", said Robert Kocharian.

[MosJan]

ARMENIAN PRESIDENT ROBERT KOCHARIAN'S ON-LINE CONFERENCE ON GAZETASNG.RU

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 10, ARMENPRESS: -Natalia Sashtik, deputy chief editor of the Gazetasng.ru:

-Dear friends, we are beginning an on-line conference with the President of Armenia Robert Kocharian. We would like to thank all the visitors to our web site for their questions. These questions will be answered by president Kocharian on a priority order. Unfortunately, we are short of time, because of the over-employment of our guest. Armenia is getting ready today for some key events, among them the visits of president Vladimir Putin, the heads of all Orthodox Churches and Pope John Paul II to Armenia.

-Mr. Kocharian, we hope you are there, let me once again to thank you for your courtesy to participate in our conference, which, as we can see, has caused a big interest. Taking the advantage we would like to congratulate you on your birthday and to remind our visitors that the president of Armenia has become 47. Our congratulations, Mr. President.

-R.K. Thank you for your congratulations. I would also like to take the advantage and congratulate all the citizens of Armenia, our Diaspora compatriots and Armenia's friends with the upcoming 10th anniversary of our independence. I would also like to thank all the participants to this conference. I am happy to communicate with you. Your questions are very interesting and I believe we shall have a useful conversation.

-Andrey Simonov, Moscow. What do you think about virtual communication, many people of your generation say online chats are meaningless and even harmful? Do you allow your children to log on to Internet?

-R.K. Unfortunately, I do not have much free time to use Internet, but everyday a pile of materials, retrieved from Internet is put on my table. There are also many e-mails coming. This, for the time being, restricts my communication with Internet. But my children use it and very actively. I learn many things from them. I welcome this and do not pose any restrictions.

-Armen Karapetian, economist. When you were running for presidency, you used to say that Armenia needed an economic breakthrough, but the country continues suffering from heavy economic conditions. Do you think that you have managed to improve, though a little, the state of affairs?

-R.K. Economically strong Armenia is my number 1 objective. You are right, we are continuing to resolve many problems in economy and they still remain Armenia's priorities, but I would like to say that the essence and character of the problems have changed and they are different from what we had a couple of years ago. In the past years the economic environment in Armenia has seen a significant change. The main thing I think I have succeeded in is that we have shifted from the conception of survival to the conception of active development. We have reformed the tax legislation to target business development, the judicial system, and thanks to it the businessmen have got real guarantees for protection. Approaches towards privatization have also changed: we demand specific and clearly cut guarantees from potential buyers that the to be privatized companies should be operational and that the amount of investments, fixed in takeover contacts, should be made. A as a result of all this some leading Armenian enterprises are gathering momentum. The main goal is advancement in all directions. Armenia is resolving its economic problems and the content of these problems is different from what they were several years ago, the development dynamic is also different. Of course, we all would like to see faster growth and more tangible results, but I believe this all will come.

-Panarmenian. Net, Yerevan. Leaders of many countries have different viewpoints regarding Internet. Possibilities for uncontrolable exchange of information cause concerns and cautiousness. Internet makes people less controllable and less dependent from the state. What does the leadership of Armenia thinks about Internet development?

-R.K. The entire core and the bulk of reforms which are underway in Armenia is to make people as less dependant on the state as possible. Government bodies should be overseen by the public and it is here where Internet provides great opportunities. The power should become transparent and predictable. Such methods of work are entering the life. Practically all state bodies have their own web sites where they should post data, which have public importance. Besides, very interesting and important projects of informational, entertainment character are being implemented in the Armenian domain of Internet.

An Internet project that was collecting texts of the Armenian literature and historiography and posting them on Internet was awarded presidential prize. This, I think speaks about what I think about Internet. Internet is a serous tool for the president in his work.

-Azadinfrom@azerin.com, Baku, Azerbaijan. What does Armenian leadership mean under "compromise solution" and will the Armenian public support compromise's terms?

-R.K Armenia has more than once announced its adherence to package solution of the Karabagh conflict. In this case all the sides to the conflict have a clear idea about what they will get and what they will be sacrificing. We have clearly formulated three main principles, which should be on the basis of the regulation: legal equality of all the sides to the conflict, exclusion of Karabagh enclave status, international security guarantees for Karabagh population. If these principles are observed, Armenia will be ready to consider potential compromise solution options.

-As regards the second part of your question; if a compromise solution is adopted, leaders of each side should have enough political will and explain to their respective people the advantages of the option and convince them to take it. If such will is not in the place, this leader cannot conduct the negotiation process.

-Larisa Sarukhanian, Yerevan, dear Mr. President, I would like to voice my full support to you. I voted for you I 1988 and next time if you decide to be re-elected my family and I will again cast our ballots in your favor. The opposition in Armenia has become active and new parties are being set up. Do not you think that their only goal is to seize power? How long you are going to put up with it?

-R.K. Thank you for your kind words. I have enough patience and I am not going to change my main principle of how to work with the opposition- that is to be tolerant. The word is about the culture of political communication. One has to have respect for his partners, irrespective of whether you like their position or not. Unfortunately, the response is not often adequate. But in general, there is a normal political process underway, at least, the dialogue with parliament represented parties is constructive. What causes my concern is the level of political culture. President should be criticized for mistakes and shortcomings, but he is powerless when he is insulted, I cannot retaliate, I was brought up differently and my position does not allow me to retaliate. I am trying to explain my actions, be frank with the population. Some of my actions may cause criticism, some people may not like them, but when you are frank with people, criticism is not something to be afraid of, as the people trust you and understand your actions. The main thing for me is the feeling of the accomplished duty before my voters.

-Vardges Hakobian, Moscow. You promised that some 40,000 new jobs would be created in Armenia this year. This made me very happy. Almost five years ago I was sacked and had to leave for Russia in search of a job. Now there is some hope, but I am afraid we are too many and there will not be enough jobs for all those who left Armenia. What are you doing to reduce unemployment?

-R.K. The remedy for curing this disease is the same everywhere. Economic growth, development of industry, small and medium businesses. The unemployment in Armenia, according to official data, is about 17 percent, but actually, I think it is bigger. This year we have made our task to create 40,000 new jobs. The government is to follow such an economic policy that would promote attraction of new investments and creation of new jobs. Forty thousand jobs are really a big figure for Armenia. This, of course, will not eliminate the problem, but we have made the first step. At the end of the year we shall summarize the results to outline the future measures.

-Anatoliy Volk, journalist. What is your vision of the future of Russian-Armenian relations?

-R.K. I see them as I used to. Based on friendship, mutual understanding and respect for one another's interests. The interests of the two countries coincide in many parameters. This, in the first place, conditions our strategic partnership. Common history, deep cultural similarities give a special coloring to our relations.

-Sergey Gevorgian, Yerevan. What do you know about how ordinary people live in your country?

-R.K. Armenia is a small country and to build a fence not to see the others' problems is impossible. I never forget that many of my compatriots live in hard conditions, but I also know that I can help them only by concrete deeds, which require pragmatic approaches and purposeful efforts. Each year people should feel tangible improvement, unfortunately, under positive economic trends, part of the society does not yet feel it. But the quantity changes into quality and our everyday work will have its impact on the quality of life of all our citizens.

-Rouben Matevosian, former engineer. Your government has sold to foreigners the Telephone Company, the brandy plant and now you are going to sell energy distributing networks. What will remain for Armenia? How long the national riches of Armenia will be plundered, what are we going to leave for our children?

-R.K. The life has shown that the state is not the most efficient owner, otherwise the Soviet Union would have been prospering. The executive power is not to run businesses but to create conditions for normal entrepreneurship. This is my strong belief. Efficient and correct privatization is another question. Here we have problems. As regards the Yerevan Brandy Company and other enterprises, they continue remaining in Armenia and no one is going to move them out. I would also like to add that all the companies privatized by foreigners operate and very successfully, by the way the quality of Armenian brandy has improved.

Raisa214@aol.com, Los Angeles. Why Armenia, that won the war, lives in economic poverty and political isolation?

-R.K. You are right when saying that Armenians do not live well, but if we compare our social and economic conditions with other CIS countries, we shall see that, if we asses per capita GDP and other economic indices, it will turn out that Armenia is not at the bottom. These indices were assessed by international financial institutions. We have taken the lead in some indices and besides, the positive dynamic is apparent. The word "political isolation" you mentioned surprises me , I think you are not well aware of our foreign policy activity.

-Konstantine Martsev, Petersburg, Russia. Why Armenia does not make a good will jester and liberate one of the occupied Azerbaijani territories, controlled by Armenian troops. This, I think will be a powerful political move, which will be assessed by the international community.

-R.K. I would like to stress that this conflict is based on the people right to self-determination, but not on territorial problems. The regions you have mentioned are held with one aim-to ensure the security of the population of Nagorno Karabagh. These territories are a component of the established balance of forces and this is the basic formula of the truce continuing from 1994. Any changes on the line of contact without security guarantees will destroy the balance of forces and may provoke resumption of hostilities. This is why we favor the so-called package option of the solution and this territories are a component of it.

-Sisak, Krasnodar. Our family moved to Russia after the destructive earthquake of 1988. I am a student now, but have always dreamed of going back to may native Gyumri. All my family wants to go back. But shall we have a shelter, shall we be able to earn our living? What is the situation now in the earthquake zone?

-R.K. The volumes of major construction in Armenia are rather big and a significant portion falls on the earthquake zone. A number of serious programs are being implemented there by the government and international organizations to provide homeless families with apartments or houses. In the next two years the conditions there will improve radically.

As regards jobs, there is already a demand for workforce, besides the government is drawing up some projects targeting revival of industrial enterprises and attraction of foreign investments. Several leading plants have resumed operation in the zone. Positive changes can also be observed in the agricultural and food processing sectors. We have built many hospitals, outpatient clinics there and by the end of the year we are planning to get rid of schools, located in temporary buildings.

-Csmptn2B@aol.com, USA. Hello, my name is Gevorg Alexanian and I am writing from the USA. I would like to ask Mr. President what are his steps towards creating an equal opportunity atmosphere in the areas of economy, especially in the private sector of the small businesses?

-R.K. You have mentioned a very important issue. Creation of business friendly conditions is the main precondition for economy development. I cannot say that we have been consistent in this area in the recent ten years, but a range of cardinal steps have been taken. Very important laws have been passed regulating this sector and the limits of the state interference are clearly outlined. In many issues we have managed to minimize the administrative arbitrariness. Tax legislation has also improved, small and medium businesses are encouraged and we can boast of certain results in the areas of informational technologies, trade, tourism, services, jewelry and diamond-cutting. It is enough to have a stroll in Yerevan streets to see what I have mentioned. It would be naive to think that all the problems we are facing can be solved in a day or two.

-Shakin Aliyev, Baku. Can you agree with a thought that Armenia has won the battle but not the war? Do you admit that Armenia's resources are too small to secure complete victory? Do not you have apprehensions that Azerbaijan may renew hostilities in Karabagh?

-R.K. Your question sounds a little bit malicious. I believe that what is important for both Azerbaijan and Armenia, and for all Southern Caucasian countries in general is to win the peace. The history has shown many times that any enmity in our region, be it a battle, a war or just an opposition, did not bring good to no one. You, as a resident of Azerbaijan, may have felt it as well. Our region will be prospering, given peace, a stable peace is established here. The Armenian leadership is working in this direction. As concerns the resources, you may make sure, based on the facts, that Armenia's economy is developing no less dynamically than your country's economy. Now about apprehensions. In the passed years the both sides have reinforced their positions and it is certain that the side that renews hostilities would lose the battle.

-Tigran Tavadian. Chief editor of Armenian Yekramas newspaper in Krasnodar, Russia. Mr. President, how are the things with reforming the Constitution? I mean the changes that may allow the so-called duel citizens for Armenians living outside their homeland?

-R.K. The package of constitutional reforms is ready and will be formally submitted to parliament's consideration this month. It contains some changes relevant to dual citizenship. But I cannot specify whether the referendum on constitutional reforms will be held this or next year. I would like to add that I support this idea of duel citizenship, as I think that a country with such a strong Diaspora has to provide its compatriots with relevant mechanisms for strengthening their ties with their historical homeland.

-Arthur Hakopov. Do you think that Karabagh conflict may be regulated in near future?

-R.K. I do not think that prognosis in such issue should be made. I can only say that we are continuing to work for it.

-Arka news agency. Yerevan. Do you think that a recently created Turkish-Armenian Commission for Reconciliation may influence Armenia's relations with Turkey?

-R.K. Armenia supports any step aimed at building civilized and neighborhood relations with Turkey. At the same time, having in mind that this is a very sensitive question, it would be desirable that this issue be discussed on state level, which Armenia has never avoided or with involvement of a broader community of political forces.

-Souren Ayvazian, businessman. Mr. President, we have plans to launch a business in Armenia but after wasting several months of talks with government officials have not received information we need. What should be done to have the issue move ahead? Can you help us?

-R.K. We have established the Development Agency to help advancement of private business projects; it actually serves as a starting point for many businessmen, who open businesses in Armenia. Unfortunately, the red tape problems exist, though they have reduced a little. If you have concrete proposals you may submit theme to presidential staff. I guarantee that you will receive answers to your questions.

-Arman Kazarian, dentist. When will Armenia join the World Trade Organization?

-R.K. We are planning that Armenia will join World Trade Organization by the end of the year. This actually means acknowledgement of the fact that market relations have established in this country. Without serious rise in export volumes we shall not be able to raise the country's economy. WTO membership first of all means predicted markets of WTO member- countries. This will also mean that we can predict developments in our domestic market, a basis for favorable investment climate.

-Natalia Sashtik: Our time is out and we cannot keep Mr. President any longer. We thank you again Mr. Kocharian for your courtesy to participate in our on-line conference.