Today we live in a society, which can not 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 developments in Armenia 5, 10 and 15 years ago.
• 15 YEARS AGO: MARCH 1-8, 2005
The “increasing importance” of the South Caucasus
Commander of the United States European Command, General James Jones highlighted the “increasing importance” of the South Caucasus for the United States.
Speaking before the Senate Armed Forces Committee on March 1, 2005, he noted:
James Jones Photo: REUTERS
“Although the Caucasus is torn by ethnic conflict and is also plagued with corruption and crime, some parts of the region have made remarkable progress toward democracy and sound governance in the last year. The Caucasus is increasingly important to our interests. Its air corridor has become a crucial lifeline between coalition forces in Afghanistan and our bases in Europe. Caspian oil, carried through the Caucasus, may constitute as much as 25 percent of the world’s growth in oil production over the next five years, while Caspian hydrocarbons will diversify Europe’s sources of energy. This region is a geographical pivot point in the spread of democracy and free market economies to the states of Central and Southwest Asia.”
• 10 YEARS AGO: MARCH 1-8, 2010
The meeting in Batumi
On February 28, 2010 Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan met his Georgian counterpart Mikheil Saakashvili in Batumi.
Saakashvili noted that Georgia was always happy for Armenia’s achievements and empathized with the neighboring country when it faced issues. “I believe that serenity in our relations and bilateral cooperation is not only our merit, despite the importance of our role. It is first of all the achievement of our peoples. In summer there are many Armenians arriving in Batumi, who are hosted with hospitability by the locals. There are also many ethnic Armenians residing here, there is an Armenian church. All ethnic groups live in peace and consent, and we consider this our achievement,” he said.
Serzh Sargsyan and Mikheil Saakashvili in Batumi Photo: Armenian president’s press service
The two presidents summed up the results of the visit on March 1.
“We have agreed to integrate our economies, communicate more, and make more efforts to bring our nations even closer,” said Saakashvili. “We need to cooperate close and consider seriously the integration processes. I believe this year will be a turning point in our relations,” said Sargsyan.
The subversion in Tavush
An Azerbaijani subversion group of 5-6 infiltrated the outskirts of Koti village in Armenia (Tavush marz) in the night of March 3.
The Armenian side undertook measures to neutralize the group. One of the group members was found dead in the territory of Armenia, another died on the way to the hospital, and one more was found dead in the neutral zone.
• 5 YEARS AGO: MARCH 1-8, 2015
Gagik Tsarukyan resigns
On March 5, 2015 leader of Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) Gagik Tsarukyan stated that he quit active politics and resigned the powers of the chairman of the party and the leader of the corresponding parliament group.
“Today is the day I have decided to quit active politics and resign the powers of the party’s chairman and the group leader. This decision was not easy – it’s a result of long reflections. It’s my personal decision, and I hope you will understand it. I quit active politics. I am no longer the chairman of the party. But I will continue to be useful for my country and my people. It will be done in other spheres and areas. I will continue to build churches, schools and sports grounds in my country, and will back cultural figures and scholars. But I will do it as an Armenian, as a citizen of Armenia,” he said at an extraordinary party meeting.
Gagik Tsarukyan Photo: PAP
“My request to you is not to turn to me on political matters any more – I will not interfere with any of your decisions. I am no longer associated with PAP. You will soon elect a new chairman, a new executive board and from now on the fate of the party is in your hand. This is my final decision,” he added.
Despite the “final decision”, Gagik Tsarukyan is still active as a politician.
Vardan Oskanyan is out
On the same day former Armenian Foreign Minister Vardan Oskanyan announced he was leaving the ranks of Prosperous Armenia Party members due to his share of responsibility in its failure.
Vardan Oskanyan Photo: Photolure
“Those who are gloating over the situation around the party should first of all be concerned about the political situation in the country. Not the PAP but the measures taken against PAP and its leader are the main issue. Arbitrary, discriminative and anti-constitutional enforcement of all the levers of power was first of all a huge blow to Armenia’s international reputation. The second and more important thing is that these actions broke the Armenian people’s hope for immediate fundamental changes in the country with all its consequences,” he said in a statement.
Ara Tadevosyan
Comments
Dear visitors, You can place your opinion on the material using your Facebook account. Please, be polite and follow our simple rules: you are not allowed to make off - topic comments, place advertisements, use abusive and filthy language. The editorial staff reserves the right to moderate and delete comments in case of breach of the rules.