Scared even to say hello

25/12/2005

– What do you think about the current political environment?

– To be honest with you, the same what we used to have at the beginning is going on. I think our country is formed already and there is no difference who the ruling power is. Whoever comes to rule, it is the same, we will go along with what we had back in the 90s again. On the other hand, our country can develop faster or slower depending on the change in leaders. The political attitude is the same, and I like it, because I am one of those people who chose to act this way. As for now, it is clear that the country develops. But it is another issue what could be in our country if, for instance, Karen Demirchyan and Vazgen Sargsyan were alive. The political way of development would be the same again, but the development might be a little bit faster. There is nothing to worry about, but there are things to be proud of.

– Don’t you think we must worry about the gas price increase?

– First of all I think in any case the price for gas will be increased. If the prices for oil increase in the world market, the price for gas can’t stay the same. Russians have their interests and of course they will develop their interests. If it is possible to sell their product for more expensive prices, they will do that. But on the other hand I think our authorities must take some actions to come to terms with Russia to lower the prices-for a strategic partner. There are different ways to do that. For example, they can tell Russia to sell us gas for the same prices as they sell it to Georgia. There is also another way to make reimbursement. I have read about this in a couple of newspapers, but there is an easier way for that too.

– What is the easier way?

– Since the authorities haven’t spoken about that yet it would be better for me not to say a word. I know that they are making arrangements and the price may be increased. If you remember, recently Andranik Margaryan said that in case the prices were increased they would compensate those changes.

– How can they do that? What can Armenia give them for that?

– There are ways.

– Do you mean on the basis of budget resources or businessmen’s contributions?

– They can’t do that only on the basis of the budget resources. There are grants; also Russia and the EU implement programs and support us. The authorities are to find the way how to do that. As for being expensive, I think 110 is not a high price for gas. Besides that we sell gas to our citizens for more expensive prices than 110. So I think this price increase will affect our economic development, but we are ready for that and we will be able to go along with whatever decision is made.

– It is not clear why you were excluded from the government.

– If you find out, please let me know too. I don’t know.

– Didn’t anyone explain to you anything? Didn’t you talk to anyone regarding this?

– I have talked to everyone. I am in good relations with all of them now and talk to them often. But I don’t ask them anything about this. They thought that it would be better for them to exclude me from their group, and they did so.

– What do you do now?

– Nothing. My friend owns a small metallic construction factory, so I help them with their work and they give me a small salary. This is how I earn my living now.

– Don’t you get invitations from abroad?

– There have been a lot of invitations, even perfect ones. I tried to go there, but returned to Armenia in ten days. I can’t stay anywhere else, I miss Armenia… I can’t. Actually I like my country very much. Now I don’t have a good position and a good job and a lot of people are even scared to say hello to me, or they just say hello and pass nearby. But now I am amazed to remember how they used to talk to me before and what they usually spoke about me. And in spite all of this I like them. All they think is that Zadoyan has worked in a good position for a long time and probably now has good property. But I say that I don’t have anything, and I live on what I have.

– Don’t you have a small business?

– I was foolish not to buy anything then.

– Do you regret now?

– Yes, now I regret much when I realize that I am trying to make ends meet.

– And haven’t you analyzed what you have done or haven’t done?

– Of course I did. I wrote a book and I am going to publish it soon. I like the government of 1993, where the deputies didn’t do anything else but think about how to find food and water so that people won’t starve. And we did it. But everyone has forgotten about that. It is a pity. But what can we do? That’s just the way it is.

– If you were to be offered a good position by the existing authorities would you agree to work with them?

– It depends on what they offer me. I feel that I am not so old yet to stay at home. I am still strong enough to work. If I can help with anything, I will do that. But I don’t think anyone will offer me to work.

– Why?

– Again, I don’t know.