During a discussion held today on the theme of "Rural Poverty and Democracy in Armenia". Richard Giragosian, who heads the Yerevan-based Armenian Center for National and International Studies, stated that there exist two Armenia’s - One is Yerevan and the second, which is most important, is the Armenia outside the capital, in the regions (marzes). "For centuries, the development of Armenia started in the regions. The situation in the villages and outlying communities is most important. The force behind Armenia’s development stems from the regions. I am now longer deceived by the daily life of Yerevan and its consumerism," Mr. Giragosian noted. He stated that the future of Armenia is mostly dependent on the future of the outlying regions, from a viewpoint of national as well as consumables' security. However, for years on end, the central authorities have either not wished or have not been able to resolve the problems of the regions. "If we talk about the link between poverty and democracy, then our biggest shortcoming is in the villages. Officials sitting in Yerevan must get out and listen to the concerns of village residents. Most of the political parties and the government disregard the situation existing in the rural areas," the analyst said He welcomed the fact that representatives from all of Armenia's regions were participating in the discussion and that they were stating in unison that they would no longer tolerate being disregarded.