Arminfo.info



 Monday, September 28 2015 09:55

Степанян Դավիթ Stepanyan Ստեփանյան David Давид

Corruption factor impedes American and other foreign investment in Armenia

Corruption factor impedes American and other foreign investment in Armenia

Recently, the American co-chair of the OSCE Minsk Group James Warlick noted that, despite the differences between the US and Russia, Washington and Moscow are closely cooperating in the format of the OSCE Minsk Group to achieve progress in the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement. Will you please share your view on the prospects of this cooperation?

 

For many years now, the three co-chairs of the Minsk Group have cooperated very closely in an effort to find a just and lasting solution to the Nagorno-Karabakh problem, and this is still the case, as Ambassador Warlick has said.  In my view, there is no good alternative to the Minsk Group talks as the proper forum for seeking such a solution, but success depends not so much on the mediators as on the parties themselves.  It is easy to blame the mediators.  

 

The OSCE MG mediators expect the meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly with a view to preparing the next meeting of the presidents of the two countries. Do you think these meetings will once again be held to draw a tick or we should expect breakthrough proposals on Karabakh to be put on the table?

 

I would not anticipate any breakthroughs at the meeting in New York, but it is a welcome sign that the two sides have not given up on finding a peaceful solution. I hope both sides, particularly Baku will show restraint. The latest incidents may grow into a serious conflict and result in resumption of full-scale military operations at any moment. A new war may be much more devastating than in the early 1990s. No one needs it, especially, the Karabakh people. There are more grounds to realize the significance of the talks within the Minsk Group and to start taking them seriously. The fact that the ceasefire violations have grown in number and that some of those violations have been registered on the Armenian-Azerbaijani state border in Tavush and Nakhijevan triggers big concern.

 

In his interview with ArmInfo the Armenian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Shavarsh Kocharyan described the recent actions of the Turkish authorities against the Kurdish people as genocide. Will you please share your assessment of Ankara's actions against the Kurds?

 

For all who were hoping that the long-running conflict between the Turkish state and its Kurdish citizens had taken a decisive turn in the direction of a peaceful, political solution, the resumption of violence this summer was a grave disappointment.  It was all the more disappointing in view of the apparent motivations for renewing the violence, which seem to be closely connected with the results of the June 7 election and the prospects for the next round at the beginning of November. For the moment being, I see very few prospects for improvement of Armenian-Turkish relations. From this perspective, the Protocols have obviously failed. I think they were wrong protocols and their architects sought to gain too much at once. Instead of trying to solve all the problems at once, I would like to suggest a simple step – establishing full diplomatic relations. This would ensure reliable relationship and would not be a compromise for neither of the sides. I have made that proposal to the both countries’ foreign ministers in person.

 

On September 17, the US Ambassador to Armenia Richard Mills told the RFE/RL Armenian Service that corruption not only sets back the economic growth of the country, but also undermines the national security. In particular, your successor said, “If we don't see the Anti-Corruption Council address those things, I think it will hurt the opportunities for investment”. Does the current situation differ from the situation during the term of your diplomatic mission in Armenia and what are the prospects for improving the situation?

 

There is corruption everywhere, but in Armenia I think a general lack of transparency and a perception that the courts do not deliver fair and timely justice compounds the problem.  We would all like to see more American and other foreign investment in Armenia, but unfortunately there are a number of impediments, only one of which is the corruption factor.

 

Recently the Minister of Agriculture of Russia Alexander Tkachev suggested destroying the "sanctioned" goods produced in the West not only within Russia but also within the Eurasian Economic Union partner-states. In other words, Russia’s retaliatory sanctions also harm Armenia. Does the United States - the main initiator of the sanctions war against Russia – take steps to compensate for the harm of this global confrontation for the partner countries?

 

No one in Washington had any intention of harming Armenia when sanctions were imposed on certain individuals and companies in the Russian Federation. It would be most unfortunate if Moscow were to punish its own ally for Western sanctions.

 

Do you expect any changes in the regional geopolitical configuration in the South Caucasus and in the Middle East after the lifting of sanctions against Iran?

 

The Middle East is sadly undergoing a most violent and chaotic period in its history, and we need all the players to take a deep breath and look for ways to bring the fighting and the killing to an end before the region is destroyed, as several cities in Syria have been. The agreement reached with Iran by the six powers on its nuclear program is only a first step, and the U.S. sanctions, some of which go back many years, will not be lifted all at once. In the long run, I do believe that Iran must be brought back into the Middle East equation as a responsible power that contributes to stability rather than threatening to undermine it. The agreement on the Iranian nuclear program reduces the tension among the United States, Iran and Russia. Armenia benefits from it, because otherwise it might have been caught in crossfire. 

POST A COMMENT
Input digits     

News
Protest rally calling for unity against Nikol Pashinyan taking place on Yerevan Republic Square Protest rally calling for unity against Nikol Pashinyan taking place on Yerevan Republic Square 
On April 23, commemoration ceremony to 109th anniversary of Armenian Genocide held at  House of Representatives of UruguayOn April 23, commemoration ceremony to 109th anniversary of Armenian Genocide held at  House of Representatives of Uruguay
British MP calls on Israeli officials to respond to attacks on Christians in Jerusalem`s Armenian QuarterBritish MP calls on Israeli officials to respond to attacks on Christians in Jerusalem`s Armenian Quarter
President of Greece: Victims of Armenian Genocide must never be forgottenPresident of Greece: Victims of Armenian Genocide must never be forgotten
Nikos Dendias: Recognition of historical truth is necessary to avoid repeating crimes against humanityNikos Dendias: Recognition of historical truth is necessary to avoid repeating crimes against humanity
Turkish Foreign Ministry continues its policy of denying  Armenian Genocide in Ottoman EmpireTurkish Foreign Ministry continues its policy of denying  Armenian Genocide in Ottoman Empire
Russian Embassy: We mourn together with Armenian peopleRussian Embassy: We mourn together with Armenian people
Abkhazia`s Leader: Today we mourn together with  Armenian peopleAbkhazia`s Leader: Today we mourn together with  Armenian people
Support for Armenian prisoners held illegally in Baku prison: March to TsitsernakaberdSupport for Armenian prisoners held illegally in Baku prison: March to Tsitsernakaberd
`We renew our pledge to never forget` -Joe Biden on Armenian Genocide in  Ottoman Empire`We renew our pledge to never forget` -Joe Biden on Armenian Genocide in  Ottoman Empire
Turkish Peoples` Equality and Democracy Party issues statement on  109th anniversary of Armenian GenocideTurkish Peoples` Equality and Democracy Party issues statement on  109th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
Ruben Vardanyan: Ruben Vardanyan: "Now I understand that principles and values are  much more important than life"
Syrian Parliament delegation came to support Armenia on day of  remembrance of holy martyrs of Armenian GenocideSyrian Parliament delegation came to support Armenia on day of  remembrance of holy martyrs of Armenian Genocide
Jonathan Lacote calls for being on side of memory, truth and justice  regarding Armenian GenocideJonathan Lacote calls for being on side of memory, truth and justice  regarding Armenian Genocide
Pan-Turan movement forming aimed to strangle Armenia - Aram IPan-Turan movement forming aimed to strangle Armenia - Aram I
Armenia`s foreign office issues statement on 109th anniversary of Armenian GenocideArmenia`s foreign office issues statement on 109th anniversary of Armenian Genocide
French president calls for remembering Armenian Genocide French president calls for remembering Armenian Genocide
In 2000, 126 scholars confirmed Armenian Genocide and called on  western democracies to recognize it In 2000, 126 scholars confirmed Armenian Genocide and called on western democracies to recognize it
Armenian-Bulgarian Cultural and Information Center opens in VarnaArmenian-Bulgarian Cultural and Information Center opens in Varna
Armenian authorities obviously intend to satisfy Turkey`s demands  regarding the Armenian Genocide - expert Armenian authorities obviously intend to satisfy Turkey`s demands  regarding the Armenian Genocide - expert 
It`s time to step up to prevent massacres of future - Noubar AfeyanIt`s time to step up to prevent massacres of future - Noubar Afeyan
Balance of forces may change in South Caucasus in case of Armenia`s  withdrawal from CSTO - Imangali TasmagambetovBalance of forces may change in South Caucasus in case of Armenia`s withdrawal from CSTO - Imangali Tasmagambetov
Armenian premier addresses message on 109th anniversary of the  Armenian GenocideArmenian premier addresses message on 109th anniversary of the  Armenian Genocide
Do not confuse cowardice with courage - Karekin IIDo not confuse cowardice with courage - Karekin II
Armenian Security Council Sec not to take part in 12th International  Meeting of High Representatives for Security IssuesArmenian Security Council Sec not to take part in 12th International Meeting of High Representatives for Security Issues
Anyone who renounces lands of Motherland must be cursed and condemned  like fratricide CainAnyone who renounces lands of Motherland must be cursed and condemned  like fratricide Cain
Issue of Armenian Genocide is non-negotiable - neither on  international arena, nor in Armenia itself - Serzh SargsyanIssue of Armenian Genocide is non-negotiable - neither on international arena, nor in Armenia itself - Serzh Sargsyan
Armenia`s Human Rights Defender demands official explanations for  declaring French-Armenian journalist Leo Nicolian persona non grata  Armenia`s Human Rights Defender demands official explanations for  declaring French-Armenian journalist Leo Nicolian persona non grata  
Armenians commemorating victims of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman  Empire Armenians commemorating victims of Armenian Genocide in Ottoman  Empire 
The signing ceremony of bilateral documents took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of TurkmenistanThe signing ceremony of bilateral documents took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan
Armenia`s government took only limited credible steps to investigate  and punish alleged human rights abuses by former and sitting  government officials and law enforcement authorities - U.S.  Department of StateArmenia`s government took only limited credible steps to investigate  and punish alleged human rights abuses by former and sitting  government officials and law enforcement authorities - U.S.  Department of State
Torchlight procession commemorating Armenian Genocide starts in  Yerevan  Torchlight procession commemorating Armenian Genocide starts in  Yerevan  
New history ushered in - Alen Simonyan  New history ushered in - Alen Simonyan  
Armenian, Azerbaijani experts start specifying border coordinatesArmenian, Azerbaijani experts start specifying border coordinates
Armenian clergyman calls on YUV to remember their mission Armenian clergyman calls on YUV to remember their mission 
17 case of pressure, 41 violation of right to information recorded in  Armenia in 1st quarter, 202417 case of pressure, 41 violation of right to information recorded in  Armenia in 1st quarter, 2024
Armenia`s borders can only be changed by means of referendum -  statement Armenia`s borders can only be changed by means of referendum -  statement 
Official Baku agrees to Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs` meeting in  Kazakhstan Official Baku agrees to Armenian, Azerbaijani FMs` meeting in  Kazakhstan 
Armenian government`s decision restricting press coverage of  wreath-laying ceremony at Armenian Genocide Memorial shameful - UJAArmenian government`s decision restricting press coverage of  wreath-laying ceremony at Armenian Genocide Memorial shameful - UJA
Unilateral concessions to make Voskepar dependent on Azerbaijan -  village head Unilateral concessions to make Voskepar dependent on Azerbaijan -  village head 
Armenian government officials are openly promoting Turkish denial  approaches - ARFDArmenian government officials are openly promoting Turkish denial  approaches - ARFD
In solidarity with protest against situation in Tavush: Citizens  closed Yerevan-Sevan highway; There are also protests in DilijanIn solidarity with protest against situation in Tavush: Citizens  closed Yerevan-Sevan highway; There are also protests in Dilijan
Erdogan calls on Armenian authorities to focus on existing realities  to develop roadmap for normalizing relations with TurkeyErdogan calls on Armenian authorities to focus on existing realities  to develop roadmap for normalizing relations with Turkey
Group of American lawmakers plan to introduce first-ever Azerbaijan  Sanctions Review Act this weekGroup of American lawmakers plan to introduce first-ever Azerbaijan  Sanctions Review Act this week
Bagrat Srbazan in Noyemberyan: our fight today is against liesBagrat Srbazan in Noyemberyan: our fight today is against lies
Citizens close road in Noyemberyan; situation is tenseCitizens close road in Noyemberyan; situation is tense
Suren Papikyan receives delegation led by Chair of France-Armenia  Friendship Group of French Senate Suren Papikyan receives delegation led by Chair of France-Armenia  Friendship Group of French Senate 
On Baghanis-Voskepar highway, demining works from adjacent area  continue - RA NSS On Baghanis-Voskepar highway, demining works from adjacent area  continue - RA NSS 
While int`l community is dozing off, Azerbaijan demolishes  Ghazanchetsots Armenian cemetery in ShushiWhile int`l community is dozing off, Azerbaijan demolishes  Ghazanchetsots Armenian cemetery in Shushi
Border delimitation process that has begun to increase trust in peace  - Pashinyan Border delimitation process that has begun to increase trust in peace  - Pashinyan 
Armenian Parliament Speaker: numerous Russian government officials  presume to dictate Armenia`s interests and speak on behalf of   Armenian peopleArmenian Parliament Speaker: numerous Russian government officials  presume to dictate Armenia`s interests and speak on behalf of   Armenian people
Pashinyan: as I can see, there is still  possibility of warming up  our relationship with CSTO Pashinyan: as I can see, there is still  possibility of warming up  our relationship with CSTO 
"We are": Land transfer tactics cannot t ensure peace
Markedonov about Aliyev`s visit to Russia: In last few years,  Moscow-Baku relations have been going uphill, while Moscow-Yerevan  relations - downhillMarkedonov about Aliyev`s visit to Russia: In last few years,  Moscow-Baku relations have been going uphill, while Moscow-Yerevan  relations - downhill
Tavush residents spent second night on Voskepar-Kirants road:   results of meeting of community leaders with Armenia`s Prmier are  disappointingTavush residents spent second night on Voskepar-Kirants road:   results of meeting of community leaders with Armenia`s Prmier are  disappointing
RA Premier: CSTO does not exist as mechanism upon which  member  states could rely onRA Premier: CSTO does not exist as mechanism upon which  member  states could rely on
Pashinyan: even in conditions of obvious imbalance, Azerbaijan  responds very aggressively to reforms of Armenia`s Armed Forces Pashinyan: even in conditions of obvious imbalance, Azerbaijan  responds very aggressively to reforms of Armenia`s Armed Forces 
Grigoryan: A group of NK peacekeeping troops left for temporary  accommodation centers in Goris and Sisian to organize their closureGrigoryan: A group of NK peacekeeping troops left for temporary  accommodation centers in Goris and Sisian to organize their closure
Armenia has never been far from the West - PashinyanArmenia has never been far from the West - Pashinyan
Ministry of Defense of Armenia reports on blasting work in VoskeparMinistry of Defense of Armenia reports on blasting work in Voskepar
Read more



Commented