Armenian parliament vice-president speaks of Armenia-EU association agreement, partnership, political developments

In an interview with Tert.am, Vice-President of Armenia’s Parliament, Spokesman of the ruling Republican Party of Armenia (RPA) Eduard Sharmazanov commended on the demand for publication of the Association Agreement with the European Union (EU), expected constitutional amendments and suspension of Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan’s decision raising fares in Armenia’s capital.
 
Mr Sharmazanov, political analysts and other circles are addressing “messages” demanding the publication of the text of the Armenia-EU Association Agreement, which is to be initialed soon.

Political analysts, political parties and parliamentary groups must be well aware that any international document is liable to verification procedures. So before being initialed the document will be submitted to Armenia’s Parliament for verification procedures. I should note that some people put themselves in an awkward situation by indulging in speculations and later try to either justify or repudiate them. I say once more, the document is to be submitted to the Parliament, and political forces and Parliament members will be able to voice their opinions. We should not hurry.

Will it not be too late? The people will hardly be able to get familiarized with the document before it is put to the vote.

This is the specific function of government institutions, with the Parliament being one of them.

The Armenian president’s ex-representative at the Parliament Garnik Isaghulyan has stated that not a single word was said about the Association Agreement during the election campaigns that preceded the three national elections. And, all of a sudden…

Each political figure has the right to voice his or her opinion. I would advise such people to peruse the “foreign policy” section of the RPA candidate’s election program. They can notice that we have always been for the “both…and” policy. We have repeatedly stated the need for deepening ties with our strategic partner Russia. At the same time, we have been for expanding ties with our European partners. Talks about an association agreement and relevant negotiations with European structures are not at all a new policy. I would remind you that our foreign policy has been anchored to the following: 1. No alternative to the recognition of independent Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR). 2. Armenia will be consistent in getting the Armenian Genocide internationally recognized. 3. Armenia will continue its policy of deepening cooperation with our strategic partner, Russia, both within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and in terms of bilateral relations. Besides, we go on developing politico-economic relations with our European partners.

Mr Sharmazanov, many people forecast numerous surprises this autumn.

I think political autumn is a “hot season” in many countries because political forces are back from holiday. What do you mean by saying “hot”? If political forces intend to hold serious and substantial discussions of new projects, I am willing to take part in them. All the other processes are hardly serious.

I would like to specify that I mean students’ protests against the planned increase in tuition fees, social protests and political forces’ intensified activities in the context of initialing of the Association Agreement.

They are criticizing, but we are working. It is much easier to criticize. We must implement our election program to improve out population’s living conditions. Such statements are normally made before September, and it would be strange on the opposition’s part not to criticize our work.

The formation of a group for constitutional amendments has been announced. However, some point out that any reforms in the government system can hardly be expected. Do you think a switchover from the semi-presidential system to parliamentary government is possible in the context of amendments to laws?

 The need for constitutional amendments has repeatedly been stated in Armenia. With respect to the nature of amendments, I have nothing to add to Davit Harutyunyan’s statement. If we hold official political hearings we will inform the public.

 Yerevan Mayor Taron Margaryan suspended his decision raising the fares. Do you think it tarnished his reputation?

 Any political team should first of all think of solving social problems and of implementing serious programs rather than of its own image. I do not think there is a need for mediators between the Yerevan mayor and residents. The people will assess the mayor’s work in four years.