New Year conveys deep message to humankind – Armenian politician

Ashot Manucharyan, a former member of the Karabakh committee, considers New Year a universal holiday conveying a profound message to the humankind. He says the Armenian society has seen a certain progress since the early 1990’s - when the country was cut off electric power and basic supplies – but has also lost many important characters, including its human essence.

Tert.am’s interview with the politician is provided below:

What is the message of New Year for you?

New Year is a universal feast containing a deep message, because it is connected with the birth of [Jesus] Christ. And the essence of Christ is the permanent crucifixion and resurrection. The message of Christ is very deep in that sense, with New Year being just one of those messages. In that respect, I wish our crucified nation and everyone of us an unconditional resurrection this year. That always happens, as such is the human essence, but it is very important for the human being to feel his revival himself or herself. This is my New Year wish.

What is the first thing the Armenian nation needs in 2014?

What comes to mind is normally something material - cars, higher ranks in the society, crocodile [meat], but that’s of no significance after all. A person may have nothing at all but feel that he or she is a real human being. We later came to have a lot, though poverty rate is high; but comparing [the present-day reality] with the 1992-93 - when it was cold and there was no electricity supply – there has been a certain progress. But we have lost many important things: our human character, which is the most important feature; everything else is temporary.


Which is the most remarkable New Year in your life?

I have no idea about the most, but I can say that we saw the most complicated and hard New Year in 1988-89. Terrible sufferingd, terrible things connected with the [Azerbaijani-Armenian] refugees and the arrest of many activists, also those affiliated with the Karabakh committee.

Do you believe in Santa Claus?

Santa Claus is a very important character. Because I have worked with children for many years, [I know] he is the symbol of the year for kids. And because Jesus always called upon people to be like kids, Santa Claus is very important for human beings throughout their lives. What I have said is exactly a manifestation of belief.