YEREVAN (Noyan Tapan)–Representatives of the Armenian intelligentsia suggest that a state and public government system be established in Armenia to lead the country out of the current situation–ensure normal conditions–and solve development–security–strategic and tactical problems.
At a meeting of the initiative group November 5–a group member–research worker at the Armenian Center of Fundamental Sciences–Simon Kamsarakan pointed out that an important role in this system will be assigned to the Presidential Council of the Intelligentsia which is being established. The Council members are to hold meetings with representatives of different political parties and officials and advance proposals aimed at leading the country out of the current social–political and economic crisis. According to him–if all goes well–the country will be "back on its feet" in a year.
Calling the members of the initiative group optimists–Academician Rafael Ghazarian pointed out that he does not see any "serious grounds" for the realization of their sincere intentions. He reminded those present of the Presidential Political Council–which included the Committee for Social and Economic Affairs. The president eventually dissolved the Council.
The special meeting of representatives of the Armenian intelligentsia issued a statement November 5 denouncing the attempt to solve problems by violence and terror.
It is stressed in the statement that the intelligentsia supports the authorities in creating conditions for the development and stability in the country.
As a way-out of the current situation the intelligentsia suggests that research analytical centers be established under the presidential staff to solve problems in case of emergencies. The centers are to operate under the government’s patronage–with importance being attached to relations between the people–intelligentsia and the authorities.
"The meeting participants–expressing their concern over the country’s future–suggest that the president–prime minister and parliamentary factions hold regular meetings with authorized representatives of intelligentsia–discuss and–if necessary–advance proposals scientifically grounded by intelligentsia," the statement says.
Ghazarian also pointed out that he does not believe in any healthy initiative–as he holds the opinion that "we have no healthy authorities." According to him–"the president has shown that he is unable to make decisions on important appointmen’s in the country–on the matters of domestic life–nor is he able to exercise control over the situation and–most of all–over the military and the police. These structures decide who should be appointed to one post or another." Pointing out that Vazgen Sargsyan was his friend and that his brother is "possibly a person of high professional skills," Ghazarian stressed that it is currently inadvisable for anyone to be guided by the natural succession principle–"our country is in an awkward situation before the international community."