Vazgen Manukyan, a Candidate for the Presidency of the RA, Responds to Questions Posed by Readers: We have only translated Mr. Vazgen Manukyan's answers to questions submitted in English.  The entire interview can be read in Armenian version of Hetq.

Edward Papelian -In Armenia there is corruption and rule of law is not popular or widely respected by the authorities. Both have nothing to do with closed borders with Turkey and the Karabakh issue. To hid corruption and to fight corruption are not the same: what is your approach to these important issues?

Vazgen Manukyan  - Elements of corruption naturally were evident back when we lived under the rule of the Russian czars. Those elements grew under Communist rule in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Thus, when we came to power that corruption was in place. To struggle against this manifestation there has to be a true democratic system in place, an independent judiciary and a political society. Sadly, we lack these things today. In my address I noted that today corruption hasn’t grown as much as it has been transformed into one of the most important factors employed in the mechanics of the government. I don’t believe that corruption is a phenomenon that has deep roots in our people or that it has become second nature, as in other eastern countries. Even during the Soviet period when we’d visit Georgia or Azerbaijan with friends or family we’d notice that corruption levels in Armenia were less in comparison, that our people were less inclined to use corrupt methods. Under the normal rule of law and normal scrutiny corruption can be greatly reduced, especially if the authorities in power are anti-corruption in practice.

Regarding the rule of law, there is no democratic state mechanism to establish such a thing in our country. The authorities aren’t elected nor removed from office by popular vote. It’s in this context that corruption in Armenia becomes a manifestation of the exercise of power.

And you’ve touched on a very important point. If, in our past history, we Armenians would constantly say that we are guiltless and have experienced loss, today, we are the ones responsible for our present losses. 

Edward Papelian -Kocharyan made mistakes too. But Levon Ter-Petrosyan (LTP) is stoking fears and at the end is calling for capitulation. Don't you think he is betraying state secrets in his demonstration just because of enmity, which he has with his "old" friends?

Vazgen Manukyan - I am uneasy about the vitriol and aggression that is presently spreading throughout our society not only by way of public rallies but also through the press and television. This road will not lead to an improvement of the situation in Armenia.

Edward Papelian - There is already no political culture and most of those are running for the Presidency seem to be looking for revenge. What are the core issues of you program?

Vazgen Manukyan - Not all candidates are running to seek revenge. As for our programs, I have consistently put forth an ideological roadmap for the past twenty years, which is impossible to explain in a few words here. You can refer to my address at the 17th Congress of the National Democratic Unity Party. 

Edward Papelian - What are your thoughts about "Western Armenia" and the recognition of the Armenian genocide?

Vazgen Manukyan - I am convinced that the Genocide isn’t only an issue of historical remembrance. For the past 90 years Armenians have been forced to live with the realities resulting from the Genocide. Those major realities include the loss of a large portion of the homeland, horrific loss of human life, the huge efforts of two-three generations of exiled Armenians in precarious conditions to organize national life on a normal scale and to get back on its feet in hospitable countries, the matter of insuring the security of an Armenian state on a tiny fraction of the homeland, irretrievable cultural losses, etc....

Obviously, all this has kept the natural desire to affirm historical justice alive and well. And this can become a source of vitality for us when it comes to building our future. The efforts of the Diaspora seeking to achieve international public recognition of the Genocide, with the support of all Armenians and the Armenian state, is one of the most important factors for our collective and strong development.

Mher - How would you strengthen and increase true and transparent dialogue and cooperation between the Diaspora and the ROA? Specifically, between the common people from both realities? 

Vazgen Manukyan  - Those who are familiar with our ideological principles and directions know the importance we place on the necessity of Armenia-Diaspora collaboration. It has assumed a unique significance in conditions of the process of globalization, when all across the world nations and governments are simultaneously engaged in cooperation and competition. Armenia-Diaspora collaboration, in the context of Armenians as compromising as “global nation”, is an important component in our conceptual framework. It is too important and serious a matter to summarize here. But one thing I can say is that to establish effective collaboration between the Republic of Armenia and the Diaspora, as well as amongst Armenians living here and in the Diaspora, the initiative and outline must come from our government. Sadly, till now, the ROA has not approached this matter with the seriousness and understanding it deserves. 

Harmick Azarian - It is clear to almost everyone who will win the upcoming presidential elections in Armenia. Although many opposition leaders do not favor Levon Ter-Petrosyan, he is offering at least an alternative to the current leadership. Why could the opposition not unite around him ( just at least to provide a counter weight to Serzh) instead we now see opposition leaders themselves slandering Ter-Petrosyan, this is MUSIC to the ears of the current regime. Do you think LTP has any chance?

Vazgen Manukyan - Firstly, I'd beg to differ with you. I wouldn't say that it's at all evident who will become the President of Armenia in 2008. As for the chances of Levon Ter-Petrosyan to be elected, I'd rate them pretty slim, especially since he’s repelling more people from his team than recruiting them.

Sako - Do you really think that Levon Ter-Petrosyan, would give Artsakh back to the dirty Azeris, and if you become president how would you solve the Artsakh issue. Thank you....

Vazgen Manukyan - As to my positions regarding the settlement of the Karabakh issue, I have expressed them in my address which you can read at the «Hetq» online website (www.hetq.am).

Ramik  - Why should the Spyurk care who becomes President when 90% of Armenia's own citizens couldn't give a damn? Maybe they know something we in the Spyurk do not?

Vazgen Manukyan - I know for a fact that citizens of Armenia are quite interested in who will become president and have always been interested since our life is essentially dependent on who becomes president. I do not think that the Diaspora should be that interested as to who becomes president but rather as to the quality and effectiveness of established governmental structures when viewed from a perspective of national interests and taking into the account the freedom and rights of Armenian citizens. Sadly, some of our brothers in the Diaspora neglect these points. If the structures and adopted directions are correct in terms of the above, then the question of «who» exactly becomes president becomes less significant. Given the present state of affairs, the only reason we'd be interested in who becomes president is to make sure that person is capable of achieving all the above.

Thus it behooves the Diaspora to put forth proposals and terms, and not individuals.