Arayik Harutyunyan on the Relations between Pashinyan and Bako Sahakyan

After a long break, Armenia's GDP growth in 2020-21 is expected to be close to double digits. This was stated by Arayik Harutyunyan, the president of the "Free Homeland" party, in an interview with "Artsakhpress". He addressed the relations between Nikol Pashinyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as the signature campaign initiated by the former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, Samvel Babayan. We present the full interview below.

Mr. Harutyunyan, as the leader of a leading political force in Artsakh, what is your opinion on the internal political developments taking place in our country? Do you not think that amidst the unprecedented activity displayed by various figures recently, a certain tension has arisen, which has also involved society?

Of course, the existing processes could not have a negative impact because society is a living organism, and all types of developments exert a certain influence on public moods. However, in this case, I would like to dispel the existing concerns and assure everyone that the internal political and moral-psychological situation in Artsakh is stable, and the political activity in our country is a manageable process.

So there is no reason to worry?

I primarily trust the wisdom and reason of our people. We have paid a heavy price for the establishment of independent statehood, and we have traversed a complicated and difficult path to secure it. Today, all our minds and attention are directed toward the future, towards the prospect of building a more prosperous and competitive country. Therefore, Artsakh is not a place for adventure, and no one has the right to disrupt or obstruct the peaceful existence of our people. We will not allow this...

Mr. Harutyunyan, recently former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, Samvel Babayan, has initiated a signature campaign for proposed constitutional changes. What do you think, are these changes necessary?

I believe that the full right to answer belongs to our people. We have chosen the path of building a state based on democratic values, and all processes taking place within the framework of law and legality should be treated calmly.

There are also serious concerns among the public regarding the cooperation between the Artsakh and Armenian authorities. People are worried about the Sahakyan-Pashinyan relations. Is there any tension between them? You are not an official, but do you share this concern, or do you have reliable information in this regard? What is happening...

There is nothing extraordinary. I have repeatedly stated that I have active communications with the authorities of Artsakh and Armenia. Considering the highest level of these relations, I can assure you that there are no problems. On the contrary, there are very sincere, warm, and healthy relations between President Sahakyan and Prime Minister Pashinyan, which fully align with all our concepts and perceptions. I do not exclude that there have been attempts at provocation; otherwise, this topic would not be in circulation, and we must be stricter on this issue. However, I am fully convinced that such provocations have no place in real relations.

We all have the right to be concerned because we are pained for our statehood and very well understand that this is about national and collective interests. We do not have the right to allow provocations on internal Armenian issues, and all such attempts must be condemned and elicit serious public reactions. There is no other way.

Mr. Harutyunyan, lately, particularly in the media, there has also been much circulation of the thesis of a possible war. Specifically, it is said that Azerbaijan may again carry out military aggression against the borders of Artsakh. Do you see any potential danger?

The Armenian army knows its risks and responsibilities, so such informational campaigns are unacceptable. I have had opportunities to speak on this issue multiple times and am ready to reiterate my stance. Our people have seen, experienced, and won wars, and if necessary, they will fight again. Let no one doubt this. However, it is inappropriate to continuously exploit the notion that we have an enemy that is very aggressively oriented against us. Do those who propagate such a thesis understand how much they harm the economy?

The danger of war is always present; we all recognize that. But constantly speaking about it creates unnecessary tension, which greatly hinders investments and various other projects being implemented in the economy. Our problem today is to develop our economy so that our army is better equipped, and so that people do not have issues with jobs, housing, and generally living well. It is precisely the economic advancement of Armenia and Artsakh that will neutralize the danger of war.

As an economist, are you satisfied with the pace of economic development in Armenia? What is the state of Armenia's economy post-revolution, and what prospects do you see?

From a professional perspective, I assess positively the developments taking place in the economy of Armenia. In particular, the dynamically expanding cooperation with the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union is commendable, as new important economic ties are being established with China. I would especially highlight the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's recent visit to China, which, aside from new economic and investment opportunities, positions China as a significant player for Armenia in partnership relations, opening up new prospects for close and effective cooperation in various fields. The existing preconditions, combined with the consistent implementation of internal reforms and several anticipated projects in various economic sectors, provide a solid basis for predicting that after a long break, Armenia's GDP growth in 2020-21 will be very close to double digits.