Moscow is not interested in Tigran Sargsyan — Zhamanak

In the view of Moscow-based independent human rights advocate Arbak Khachatryan, Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan’s resignation was not imposed by Moscow. He expressed that view in a conversation with First Informational, stressing that Tigran Sargsyan was not someone whose remaining in office or leaving it would interest Moscow at this moment.

At the same time, Arbak Khachatryan did not rule out that this might also be a step taken personally by Serzh Sargsyan to demonstrate his loyalty to Moscow: “I do not rule out that this could also be a continuation of the UN vote, but on his own initiative rather than under Russian pressure,” Khachatryan said.

“Political processes are moving very quickly now. It is possible that he also did this to demonstrate an internal change; I do not rule out that possibility either. The moment had ripened not abroad, but for Serzh Sargsyan; I do not think Moscow has anything to do with this. It seems to me that Tigran’s presence or absence changes nothing; it is a personal decision. I think this should not be taken seriously—these are internal games. Tigran Sargsyan was not a political figure with a position strong enough to change the situation.

I very much doubt that something came from outside; today there are much more serious problems abroad,” he said.

In general, more serious events are taking place in the world these days that will affect Armenia: “There are a number of problems concerning the Customs Union. It is indeed an economic union, but Kazakhstan has effectively not recognized Crimea’s incorporation. If Kazakhstan does not accept Crimea, how does the Customs Union work? Do you understand that the sanctions imposed on Russia will also affect the Customs Union’s member countries?

Tigran Sargsyan did have a European orientation, and it is possible today that Russia has begun pursuing a very harsh policy in the territories under its control. That certainly should not be ruled out, but to say that Tigran Sargsyan resigned under Moscow’s pressure—I do not think so.”

You can read the full publication in today’s issue of the Zhamanak newspaper.