So here we are. Arthur Baghdasaryan accepted an offer by prime minister (‘elected president’) Serj Sargsyan to take a position of secretary (= chief) of Armenia’s National Security Council. From now on Arthur Baghdasaryan and his “Orinats Yerkir” party bear equal responsibility with the ruling regime in relation to political situation and developments in Armenia.You do not just offer this post to ‘opposition’ leader. It’s pretty important position dealing directly with issues of internal and external security of Armenia. You offer this post only to a person whom you really trust. Currently this position is led by the head of presidential administration.
I must say, Arthur Baghdasaryan is an excellent actor. There were always doubts in relation to his persona that he is playing game of Armenian authorities, with various post-election scenarios/speculations. But there was always ‘may be not’, always some kind of uncertainty there. Now we know exactly that it is not an extreme rhetoric or inflexibility from Ter-Petrosyan side that prevented Arthur Baghdasaryan from joining opposition coalition. He was just playing a game, he was always a part of ruling regime.
If current opposition movement led by Levon Ter-Petrosyan achieved something, this is one of the achievements. It helps clear things up in Armenian political scene, so that for once we will know who is who. Excellent step by chess loving prime minister Serj Sargsyan. A total disgrace for Arthur Baghdasaryan and his “Orinats Yerkir” party (and I am not talking here about thousands of his followers who genuinely believed him) who have always been a party of authorities, never an ‘opposition’ as they claimed to be. Just like nationalist ARF Dashnaktsutyun party...
*source of photo: Photolur, via A1+
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Sergic's bandit brother (Sacha) said of Artur Baghdasarian in the summer of 2006 - My brother gave birth to Artur and when needs be he will abort him. Seemingly Baghdasarian preferred betraying the people of Armenia to being aborted.
But,as you write, it is good that the people of Armenia eventually know what it is Artur Baghdasarian.
A reminder from Radio Liberty (main evening broadcast) of what Arthur Baghdasaryan had to say just around 10 days ago
Arthur Baghdasaryan, pre-election rally in Gyumri, 17 February 2008:
"They say [Ter-Petrosyan campaign team, after Arthur refused joining opposition coalition] that voting for Arthur Baghdasaryan means voting for Serj Sargsyan. This is outrageous lie."
Arthur ko dimankn el paytez, txa ches exel, u el ches el karox darnal. zankanum em kez lav paher, vorpes armenchiki hajord u krem ksi vor shat chzava
Perhaps we should also remember that Baghdasarian was part of HHSh and when it suited them both, he was also used and quite willingly allowed himself to be used by Ter-Petrossian. I'm told Baghdasarian used a legal programme on TV in 1996 to cover up the falsified elections.
As you say, he might always have been part of the authorities in order to further his political ambitions. Interestingly, though, it was for both authorities so perhaps Ter-Petrossian understood that when he accused Baghdasarian because he did the same for him too.
Kind of ironic, if you ask me.
//t’s pretty important position dealing directly with issues of internal and external security of Armenia. You offer this post only to a person whom you really trust.// IS IT REALLY SO?
who was the previous secretary of Armenia's National Security Council? ...........nobody knows (perhaps you can find it on the Net?) and it doesn't seem to be such an important position.
Whose position is important anyway? The country is micro-managed by its most influential leaders who decide everything. I might be wrong... but it seems as if A.B. sold himself for very little. But did he think about his supporters?
How can the leader of a party called "State of Law" join the party of the people whose respect for the Law is seriously in doubt?
If he had been a serious politician he would have waited ...until the next elections.
This is sad, and it is truly the "disgrace" of the day.
In my understanding, the importance of that position varied depending on who was holding it and power sharing. But it is a position for someone whom ruling regime consider very loyal as it deals with coordination of state security services. For quite some time Serj Sargsyan himself was holding that post.
We do not know yet the full scale of Arthur’s reward from his bosses. The most disheartened are indeed his supporters...
The most disheartened are indeed his supporters...
One suppose you have data for that somewhat sweeping statement? I mean, you may well be right, but on the other hand, Baghdasarian is calculating, thinks only of his political ambitions, and had his supporters when he was part of the coalition.
Anyway, as with Heritage supporters -- some of which are dismayed at them effectively siding with Levon -- I'm sure OYP supporters will actually be divided in opinion. That's the nature of democracy. There is no black and white.
It’s pretty important position dealing directly with issues of internal and external security of Armenia.
RFE/RL's English language web site describes the position as "largely ceremonial" although the same news item says that Sargsyan promises it will play a more "significant role" although who's to say if that's true or not?
Of course, if it isn't, then sure, Baghdasarian chose his sides and didn't take much in return unless he calculates Sargsyan is going to win this thing. Of course, we're not even certain of that.
It was announced that as part of the power-sharing deal Baghdasarian will take over as the new secretary of Armenia’s National Security Council, a largely ceremonial position currently held by the chief of Kocharian’s staff. The council, which comprises the country’s top state officials, has rarely met and made decisions during Kocharian’s decade-long rule.
You are right, there will be a proportion of Arthur’s followers who will support his move. But based on reaction of few of my friends who were among his supporters (not really pro-Levon, but certainly anti-Serj) and considering that Arthur’s pre-election campaign was conducted by at times ‘fierce criticism’ of Serj and current ruling regime, I would assume that most of his supporters share this sentiment.
Yeah, I can't believe I endorsed him on this blog...
>>> 7:10 AM
Perhaps something is happening at the Opera. I just head a lot of noises, and I saw many men running two by two towards the place.
The AP reports that the police have arrived to take them away...here comes the end game.
Armenian Police Disperse Protesters
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hEX1a7S3PK9JeH5alm2zWbCw45SgD8V4D7F80
thanks guys, keep updating, I just got also info from Regnum. Will make a new post now
just made this new post
Police Disperse Protesters in Armenia - Breaking News
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