Out of Armenia, something new?
Economist starts its report on Armenian election with this “ELECTIONS in former Soviet republics rarely yield surprises. The incumbent wins; the opposition cries foul; it takes to the streets.”
It says “This week Mr Sarkisian told your correspondent he was ready to make peace with Azerbaijan so long as it was “an honourable one.”
Lets see where we are headed this year.
I am happy to see democratic process at work in Armenia. It seems that at every election, the process becomes more transparent and honorable.
Given our culture and history, it won’t be long until Armenians adopt and understand how real democracy works. In fact at this rate, within the next 20 years Armenia will become the first nation in the region that will join the free world. Transition to a fully democratic society (especially from a totalitarian regime) is not easy, just look at Germany or Spain as examples.
As for Armenia’s neighbors, I am not as optimistic. Given the nationalistic and Islamist agendas of Turkey and Azerbaijan, a convoluted political system in Georgia and an utterly corrupt regime in Iran my bets and hopes for a better future in Armenia would rely on Russia and the West.
Congratulation, Armenia!
Comment by Ari Sardarian — 2/27/2008 @ 8:24 am