YEREVAN. – Let those who have betrayed the ideas of the revolution be afraid of the assessment of being a traitor. Let those who put their personal interest above public interest be afraid of the “traitor” labeling. Let those who will sober up after a very short time, saying, “We didn't understand what we were doing,” be afraid of the “traitor” labeling. Artur Vanetsyan, National Security Service former director and ex-president of the Football Federation of Armenia, said this in a conversation with print media representatives, stressing that this is about the circle that is in power today.
In response to a question about who gave the order for the “canned-good show” in connection with ex-MP, General Manvel Grigoryan, Vanetsyan corrected the reporter, saying that he did not share the view that this was a "canned-good show. "What was presented in the video presented by the National Security Service is completely true," he added, in particular.
When asked about ex-President Robert Kocharyan's case, Vanetsyan said: “I wouldn't call it ‘Robert Kocharyan's case;’ it is about solving the March 1 [2008] case. In saying the ‘March 1 case,’ I understand that priority should have been given to uncovering the circumstances of the ten people killed. Now the question arises: Do the current processes, the investigation contribute to the solving of the murders of ten victims? I think no. As for Robert Kocharyan, after this statement I know that there will be many different interpretations. But I want to point out that arresting Kocharyan as a precautionary measure is wrongly selected; he has never shown in any of his move that he avoids the investigation. I think it would be right to reconsider Kocharyan's precautionary measure. It would also ease tensions in some circles of society, and only contribute to a full investigation and solving of the case.”
Answering the journalist's question as to whether the “March 1 case” means that the main provocateur, incumbent PM Nikol Pashinyan, should be brought to account, Artur Vanetsyan said: “I do not share your assessment. I think the investigation should be conducted in a comprehensive, full manner, so that no questions can arise for any party. If a person is found guilty during the investigation, he should be brought to account. But as long as we don't have a charge that is proven by the investigation, we have no right to accuse anyone.”
