Today we live in a society, which cannot imagine life without expressing views on social media. Probably it does have certain advantages. Nevertheless, many participants of active discussions have already forgotten or do not even know about the developments, which unfolded in Armenia 5, 10 or 15 years ago.   

To fill the gap Mediamax presents 5/10/15 project, which introduce the developments that happened in Armenia 5, 10 and 15 years ago.

•     15 YEARS AGO: AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 5, 2006

“Suicidal hope”

On August 31 the President of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR), Arkady Ghukasian stated that “independence is not end in itself, but the only condition for the existence of the Nagorno-Karabakhi people on the land of their ancestors, and its development and prosperity”.

Arkady Ghukasian and Slovenian FM Dimitrij Rupel

 

“We should seek for reasonable compromises, without which it is impossible to reach the settlement of the conflict. Counting on the military budget, hoping for revenge is a bad, I should say, suicidal hope,” Arkady Ghukasian stated.

Answering the question on the possibility of returning the territories, which make the “security belt” of NKR, Ghukasian noted that “we will never agree to a settlement, which will put under danger the security of the Nagorno-Karabakh”.

The President of NKR expressed confidence that the attempt to solve any issue, including the issues concerning the “security belt” around NKR, in isolation from the basic status issue, is a “way to war”.

•    10 YEARS AGO: AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 5, 2011

“Protocols are not a permanent opportunity”

On August 30 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated that the Armenian-Turkish “Protocols are not an open-ended and permanent opportunity.”

Addressing the annual Ambassadorial meeting the President said that the initiative to normalize relations with Turkey raised Armenia’s international authority and ''dispelled our partners’ illusions about today’s Turkey revealing new manifestations of the Turkish policy which we have been aware of throughout the history.”

Serzh Sargsyan on August 30, 2011

 

“Nevertheless, we keep on adhering to our position on normalization of Armenian-Turkish relations without preconditions. Turkey should show up some courage to respect the undertaken commitments. At the same time, the Turkish side should understand that these Protocols are not an open-ended and permanent opportunity.

 

Most of our friends advised us to wait till the parliamentary elections in Turkey and we'll see in coming months whether or not there are changes in Turkey’s approaches after the elections. To be honest, the latest two months don’t give us reason for optimism,” the Armenian President stated.

“Armenia will again coerce the rival to peace”

On August 30 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan stated that “there is a red line” in the issue of Karabakh settlement “that we’ll never cross”.

 

“We spoke about these both in public and during meetings with our partners. It is reflected in my pre-election program and numerous statements. Baku is not ready for peace as it’s impossible to set peace by advocating a war; to reconcile societies by sowing Armenophobia; build trust by instigating race of arms. Such behavior demonstrated by Azerbaijan is unacceptable and we will make adequate steps. Be sure - in case of a new military adventure Armenia will again coerce the rival to peace,” stated Serzh Sargsyan.

•    5 YEARS AGO: AUGUST 30-SEPTEMBER 5, 2016

Kocharyan on necessity of “fundamental reforms”

On September 3 former President of Armenia Robert Kocharyan stated that Armenia needs “fundamental reforms” to solving its current problems, otherwise it “will be sitting on a powder keg”.

“We need fundamental reforms, people should see political competition in the country, the possibility of change through a legitimate voting process and not by attacks on state institutions and hostage taking,” Robert Kocharyan said in the interview to Azatutyun radio station.

Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan

 

Touching upon the situation in Armenia, former president noted, “Unfortunately, I cannot say anything reassuring.”

“Our statistics no longer reflects the real economic situation, the government forms and develops the economic policy no more. Social networks are the most objective indicators of both the people’s attitude and the social and political situation in the country today. For several years now the society has been gaining negative attitudes, which are overflowing today and obviously radicalizing. This naturally affects investments, buying mood, migration, and thus the economy in general,” Robert Kocharyan said.

Ara Tadevosyan