YEREVAN. – We do not have much to celebrate about 20 years after Armenia’s independence, Regional Studies Center Director and political analyst Richard Giragosian said during a press conference on Monday.

According to Giragosian, today Armenia has emigration, the earthquake aftermath is not eliminated, and the country does not have a stable economic system. “Despite certain accomplishments, including Nagorno-Karabakh and the victory in war against Azerbaijan, we have 2 shortcomings: We should not base ourselves on our former success and joy, but rather on the present-day activities of our government and army,” Giragosian noted.    

As shortcomings, Giragosian also emphasized the absence of political reforms and democracy. As per the analyst, corruption is a serious problem in the country, and the Armenian government is unable to find effective mechanisms.   

Giragosian also expressed astonishment for the presence of a Russian military base in Armenia, saying: “Armenia is one of those unique—if not, the only—countries which has a foreign military base in its territory but receives no payment in return.”

And reflecting on Armenia’s Independence Day, Richard Giragosian stated this day needs to be “everyone’s anniversary, and not just of those who drive around the city with large cars and special license plates.”