Three Questions to Vahan Hovannesian

On Feb. 12, The Hairenik and Armenian Weekly asked presidential candidate Vahan Hovannesian about his views on Armenia’s relations with the Diaspora, Turkey and Georgia. Below are his answers:

Armenia-Diaspora Relations

It is imperative to form a state committee dealing with issues of the Diaspora, and only after that can we talk about the content and details of these relations. Regarding the financial aspect, it so happens that Armenia is in difficult economic state and expects assistance from the Diaspora. But I also think that now, the country has an opportunity to stand on its feet. If the right choice is made [during the presidential elections], that opportunity would be seized and changes would take place at a faster pace and Armenia would be in a position to help the Diaspora in a meaningful way, from providing textbooks to economic, political, legal and other kinds of support. In this issue, a greater role would also be ascribed to the structures working on dual citizenship.

Armenia-Turkey Relations

In effect, there are no relations with Turkey today. There are only verbal attacks—like the recent extremely aggressive response of [Turkish President] Erdogan to our Foreign Minister [Vartan Oskanian]. We can talk about the existence of relations only when Turkey establishes diplomatic relations with Armenia. The interests of Armenia, Artsakh and the Diaspora are the priorities of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation. The ARF will not allow any adventurous venture that can harm those interests. We must structure our relations with Turkey with great patience, simultaneously working with both Turkish statesmen and the country’s civil society, in order to make our opinions known to Turkey. The ARF, unlike many newborn organizations, is a patience political party and this will be a great advantage in our relations with Turkey, as well as Azerbaijan.

Armenia-Georgia Relations

Georgia should always be regarded as a good neighbor—never an enemy or adversary. We should propose to Georgian authorities the formation of a small union—similar to Europe—with Armenia. This union could start with the creation of a common market, the building of new highways and the gradual removal of custom restrictions and duties between Armenia and Georgia. This is beneficial for both countries. In this context, the politically and ethnically charged atmosphere in Javakhk also becomes relieved. Javakhk is the only place where Armenians and Georgians are living together. In other areas across the border, the Turks and Azeries have come between the Armenian and the Georgians—a separation created by the Turkish and Azeri governments. We should be able to being Georgia out of the political influence of Azerbaijan and Turkey by presenting alternatives—and the link between us and the Georgians should be Javakhk.