Hero of the Artsakh war and commander of the Armenian Army 39-year old Seyran Saroyan resigned from office based on his intention to enter the political field. The Armenian Republican Party has nominated S. Saroyan a deputy candidacy in the number 19 precinct (the Armavir province).
– My first teacher was my grandfather, Zarzand Saroyan who was a history teacher. He was born to an immigrant family and was a real patriot. Our family worshipped the land we walked on and the home. In 1988, it was already clear that we had to enlist in the army to fulfill the duty of defending the homeland. It was at that time that me and my friends formed volunteer squads in Echmiadzin and parted for Artsakh. After that, we named the squad after my friend Gagik who died in the war. Later, we came to realize that we must have a regulated army in order to achieve victory. The functioning “Gagik” squad was renamed “Eagle-10” battalion under my command. In 1993, under my command, we were fighting as soldiers of the infantry regiment. Today, we have a strong army. There was a time during the Kelbajar liberation battles when it seemed as though we were losing the battle and the residents of the Sevan Lake basin, especially the residents of Vardenis, were packing up and leaving their homes. It is difficult to describe what was going on; you had to be there to see how the entrance of our squad instilled faith and hope in the people…women were baking lavash for the soldiers day and night. Now, after the war, everyone is talking about the leaders and generals of the war, but the victory would be impossible if it weren’t for our people.
– In your opinion, what are the important attributes for a commander to achieve victory?
– Listening capability and the ability to make the right decisions. I don’t remember a time when I have made a wrong decision during the years of my military service. I have spent the best years of my life as a young man battling and dedicating my life to the army. That was how I worked in all fields in which I was needed. Army building was a full-time job. It is high time to work for the sake of the prosperity of the people. I have never had free time while working on the building of the Armenian Army. I was sometimes free on Sundays and mainly spent those days with family and friends. Imagine, I have not spent New Years’ with my family for 15-16 years. When my sons once asked me why I did not spend New Years’ with them, I had only one answer: “I have thousands of boys just like you in the army”.
– You are the youngest general in the Armenian Army. Why did you decide to resign?
– I consider my job done. I can truly say that there are meritorious people who can substitute for me in the army. We, the veterans of the war, in my opinion, have completely devoted our potential to building the army. The country and the people are entering a new stage of development. Today we must create a society protected by the law. We always remember that we have enemies, but we forget about the enemy “inside” us.
– What do you plan on doing in the National Assembly?
– Many of the people who know me, and there are a lot of people who know me, will probably laugh if somebody tells t hem that Seyran is going to go to parliament “assigned” to press buttons. I currently see myself with the people. I have especially grown connected to the people during the past couple of years. I know about their problems and share their pain. I have also helped them out in many issues. Nowadays many people want to become deputies in order to keep their businesses. I don’t have any problems with keeping a “roof” above my head just because I don’t have a business. It is a shame to turn the National Assembly into a “roof” above our heads. If the businessman is looking for a “roof” with the purpose of evading the law, it is clear that he is committing illegal acts. You can’t ask for more from a person who came to parliament by electoral bribe. One person can’t fight against him; it is time for our fellow Armenians to not elect people like them.
– Some deputies provide buses for students free of charge. Don’t you think that that is an electoral bribe?
– Students always need a helping hand and we need to help them. But the life of a young person does not end with the university, does it? Their hardships begin upon graduating from the university. Today Armenian youth is unable to find jobs after graduation. I also have sons; one is a college student and the other studies in school. I understand both the students and their parents. Youth doesn’t know what to do after graduation, where to work and how to start a family. This is going to be one of the most important issues for me. In my opinion, that is a “war” in peaceful conditions and we must not let youth to think about leaving the country. There is a simple truth: man must earn his living, live and not simply survive, rather live the good and prosperous life. We must find the means, increase the potential, otherwise we will be more and more disappointed. Armenians must not lose faith in the future. If elected, I will cordially work with the people and am going to open an office in Echmiadzin. Besides that, I am at home now and I will meet with the public all the time. For me, getting elected does not end in itself. Even if I don’t get elected, I will continue to live my life however God decides. I will simply think that the people don’t need me.
– Recently, the National Assembly approved the “Dual Citizenship” law. If you were in parliament, how would you vote?
– The history of the Armenian people is such that, by fate, each one of us can be an emigrant. Why should the Armenian from the Diaspora come to his homeland as a guest? Do you think that our compatriots living abroad care less about the homeland? The homeland will give them the strength and let each person be held responsible for the destiny of his homeland. That way they will be more assured and will make their investment for Armenia’s prosperity. This is also a means of providing the youth with jobs. After all, it is the experience of the Jews. Israel is a small island in the big Arab world, but it is strong with all the Jews, the country has developed and continues to develop through the combined efforts and contributions of Jews all over the world.