The Armenian authorities live at the expense of independence, Aram Manukyan, Board Chairman, Armenian National Movement (ANM), said at a press conference.  

According to him, Armenia’s positions in the international arena are not as strong as before, and its sovereignty is in danger. Major evidence thereof is emigration. “Any independence is out of the question when massive emigration is taking place. When there was war, hunger and cold, it could be understood. Now people have all that they did not have then, but emigration is growing,” Manukyan said.

Pointing out psychological factors, he called the Armenian people defenseless and unsure of their future. The Armenian people are displeased with the “thickheads” ruling the country and with the “botchers” sitting in Parliament. “What this country lacks is universal laws and democracy. Instead we have political prisoners – people who struggled for Armenia’s independence,” Manukyan said.

Speaking of Armenia’s image, he said it has been tarnished over the past decade. “Armenia has registered a 40% decline in all fields – democracy, human rights, small and medium business development. The country ranked 75th to 90th among world countries, whereas it is 125th-130th now,” Manukyan said. The unfavorable dynamics indicated in all international reports on Armenia is among the factors undermining the country’s independence, he said.