Garegin, Your claim that you are "older" and "more educated" actually says 'less' about you. Seeing your irrationality and ignorance I would hate to imagine you younger and without education...

Gurgen: for whatever it's worth (and in case this is relevant), I am probably older than you, and definitely more educated. I am sorry that instead of answering my question you resorted to giving me another general lecture on how the world works. You won. Well done.

I'll explain what I mean when I say "Armenia needs political evolution, not revolution." when I see that you have grown up. In the mean time, I suggest you take a few university level courses on political science and history of the western world. I'll leave you with this: The fundamental point in this discussion is that the western world today can afford to flirt with the idea of "democracy, freedom and human rights" because of its massive wealth and power, which incidentally was derived from its centuries long oppression of countless nations across the world. So, for a nation like the US, which essentially became wealthy and powerful as a result of genocide, enslavement and colonization, to complain to a nation like China which is essentially trying to become wealthy and powerful rings very-very shallow and smells of hypocrisy. In other words, it's very convenient for the Western world, and makes good geopolitical sense for them, to criticize China and Russia for doing exactly what the west was doing too long ago. Anyway, grow up.

To Gurgen: You say "The bottom line is - Armenia needs political evolution, not revolution." Do you care to explain why? (I hope you could also define evolution and revolution, both generally and in the Armenian context, while explaining your position). Why can Armenia not have a change in leadership and the course? Have you ever heard about the concept of relative performance? Do you know that while your economy could be growing at a 3 percent rate, if the rest of the world is growing at, say, 8 percent, you are actually falling behind at the rate of 5 percent! This is what's happening with Armenia's economy now---quantitatively and qualitatively. This is what your evolution will bring you going forward. Armenia's growth (the source of your "evolution") has been based on the contruction sector (but don't just believe me---check out the numbers at the Central Statistical Office) and simply cannot offer any meaningful ways forward for your "evolution" to take place....we are falling behind, while our talent is leaving the country. So please shed some light on the specifics of your "evolutionary" hypothesis (i.e., how do you see it working and why), in as much detail as you can.

Unknown, You must really be out of your mind to compare a global superpower like America to Armenia - a fifteen year old, tiny, impoverish, landlocked, resource-less, embattled and an endangered nation. Are you serious? Just how old are you? I suggest you study the 'genesis' of western nations. The most powerful and the most "democratic" ones today were the most violent and most oppressive ones throughout history. Study English, French, Dutch, German, Spanish, Italian, Swiss, American history and then talk your shallow nonsense. Even today, there is no such thing as true "democracy" or true "freedom" anywhere on earth, especially in the western world. Case in point, take the US: you are allowed the luxury to 'think' that you deciding national policy by voting. Nevertheless, national policy in the US is made by the nation's political/financial elite and the various powerful special interests. When you grow up you will see that the "strongest nations" on earth are the one that have been most violent - those who exploited, conquered, enslaved, colonized third world savages and, as a result, can today enjoy the fruits of their crimes under the semblance of freedom and democracy. The bottom line is - Armenia needs political evolution, not revolution.

The elite of America are past gangsters and mafia? Sounds like a conspiracy theory to me. Some of our politicians and corporate execs are crooks, but I do not think they are related to Al Capone. Many American businessmen are honest and do well. However, in Russia's case, many of the leaders are mafia and will have to get better educated and reform to democrats if that is possible. Is it possible? Maybe. If you look at the big cities, like Chicago, run by the mafia for many years, we have a liberal, democratic government which looks after the needs of its people. It depends on what kind of people you elect. Stuffing the ballot box or election tricks I should say still goes on in a way here, which is sad; however, the politicians and judges that get elected are still liberal and mostly fair, so it could be worse. Our laws try to prevent it, but even Bush's last election was in doubt. I would say, the case for america is that it is much better than Russia. Of course, it is not perfect, but better.

Anonymous: Freedom, you say. Everything I've read about democracy and freedom around the world underlines the fact only wealthy, prosperous nations can afford to be democratic and somewhat free. History has shown that as long as a nation is poor or still struggling economically, it will not be able to develop a true civil society. It would be wonderful if Armenia could break that trend and become free and democratic overnight, but that is not realistic. It is great that people are finally starting to wake up -- and hopefully the events of the past 6 weeks will force at least some reforms and perhaps even early parliamentary elections. But until people's mentality changes ("et mut tarinern enk aprel....), voters will continue to be bought, ballot boxes to be stuffed and the 'rabiz' to be their candidates. Where was the fresh, well-educated, cultured, visionary presidential candidate we should have all rallied around? By the way, in the democratic and free West, 'education' can easily be bought - evidence Bush's Yale diploma. It's commendable to be idealistic, but let's not lose total perspective.

Thank you for your advice, Vrezh. However, courtesy of people like you, I have my own Armenian "hero" to worship at the feet of--his iitials are SS.

The individual who posted the last message is an idiot. This is not about Levon Ter-Petrosyan, this is about freedom. When people are free, the country prospers. When they aren't free and there is so much injustice in the country then only a select few do well and the majority of the population seeks better days. Armenia is in this situation because it copied the Russian model. Robert Kocharyan led a corrupt system for 10 years and now the people are saying enough is enough! There is no double-digit economic growth in Armenia, it's all a sham. A few businessmen have gained wealth through government connections; the parlaiment is something to laugh at with corrupt, uneducated members who only got there through ballot box stuffing and voter intimidation and who are only staying there to protect their business interests. In no other normal country in this world would someone get elected to parlaiment without some sort of education. Serge really is going to have no choice but to either resign, or call fresh presidential and parlaimentary elections within a year because it will be impossible to tie up a people who are smelling a revolution.

To Garegin Bes: I'm not following your argument. How does what I advocate exclude a change of leadership? In order to create a strong, viable, secure nation, many simultaneous approaches are necessary. I've simply pointed out one element -- one that I believe is vital to the health and welfare of society and that can be implemented immediately by every single citizen. Unfortunately, the current 'leaders' of all stripes, as well as the unprofessional media and the various 'talking heads' preach only destructive commentary. And when they're not spreading negativity, they're disseminating 'rabiz' everywhere, 24/7. And a significant portion of the population still dwells in its victim mentality of entitlement, and pervasive laziness and apathy -- which must change. By the way, less than 100 years ago, the USA was in the grips of gangsters and mafia, yet thanks to their spirit of entrepreneurship and perseverence, it was able to develop systems and laws and establish itself as the most prosperous democracy in the world. Descendants of those gangsters and clans still dominate most of the power structures and major corporations; they've evolved to become the 'elite' of the America.... In a nutshell. What constructive, realistic strategies/approaches would you suggest given the current realities?

To pomegranate: could you please suggest a couple of countries where what you are describing (i.e., diligence, perseverance, code of conduct, etc.) have actually worked in the long run? In fact every political scientists that studied the former Socialist block countries could tell you that unless there was a change in leadership and the course, nothing takes place. The corrupt leadership just doesn't have the incentives to change itself, and the active masses that could otherwise bring about change find it much easier (and rationally so) to emigrate to other countries instead of being killed on the streets of their own city. So what you are "selling" here is a myth not supported by any country experience. To Robert: Would you support Miloshevich, Hitler, Lukashenko, and Karimov-type characters only because they appointed themselves to be the president of Armenia? Where is the logic in what you are suggesting? Or is it that any asshole is good for us, as long as he is Armenian? Do the past record and/or actions of politicians matter at all in your fantasy world? To both of you: how do you get prosperity, growth, development, and strong army out of a totalitarian leadership/regime and oppressed people? And in whatever answers you care to offer to these questions, please note that people who read these pages are smart---so don't insult their intelligence.

The new president may or may not be able to make the changes we all want and know to be needed -- however everyone needs to stop complaining. The massive amounts of time and energy being expended on negativity and hatred are counterproductive. Building a true civil society based on the rule of law takes a lot of hard work and a long time. It takes diligence and perseverence. It requires adopting a moral and ethical code of conduct, living it by it and demanding that others also live by it. It does not happen overnight and it certainly will not happen as long citizens keep asking 'what is my government doing for me' instead of asking themselves what they might possibly do -- within their means -- to make a positive difference. For example, we all know that now you can get most things done -- eventually, very painfully, after a lot of painstaking back and forth -- without having to resort to paying bribes. Yet many people still find it expedient, easier, faster to pay the bribes. As long as that is the mindset of the majority, the issue of bribes will not go away. And so on and so on.... It has been my experience that those who are willing to buckle down, adopt a 'western' work ethic, and really work hard are slowly managing to improve their lives and the lives of their families, despite all the obstacles and roadblocks they may encounter. This is because they are relying on themselves to create a better life, a better society, a better nation, rather than waiting for handouts or complaining that the government isn't doing anything for them. Yes, it is difficult and very tiring and full of pitfalls, but if every small office or department or business could do that, and if more and more families raise their children with this mindset, then gradually you will change the mindset of the majority -- you will create a groundswell of change, from the bottom up! And from within the ranks of this new breed of Armenian citizen will emerge the visionary leader we need. It will take time. You can't change the entitlement mentality overnight. But it is doable. That should be everyone's goal, everyone's vision. This is my vision.

As Armenians , we must FULLY support our new President- it will be for the good of our nation and for all Armenians -no matter where we originate from or are currently living.

Armenians enter the next decade of ultimate domination of their daily lives and freedoms by the same thugs that dominated their lives in the previous decade. Congratulations to likes of Ghevond, Vachagan, and others who helped this to happen. You are the true Armenian patriots. Lets see where our country will end up in the next decade.

The dark ages of Armenia begin. Condolences to all Armenians, this is a sad and dark day in the history of Armenia.

Gurgen Why do you compare Armenia with USA? Compare our country with Iraq which will be fair.

To Marnias When people want to find something in order to complain they will find: try to be honest a bit Serge Sargsyan parents are originally from soviet Armenia who had to flee Stalin’s terror and Levon himself is fromAleppo , if we have to follow /use the “Levons´s rude language" used agonist S. Sarkisjan” he is of “Arabian origin” but what matters where Armenians are from ? :-)

Yes, Stranger, let them blow their balloons and sing their pseudo-partiotic songs. Today, coryphaeus of government-backed tawdry show business will sing in Square of Republic to retain favor of their bosses. Vachagan, I'd like to remind you that there was no difference between Armenian and Karabakhis under LTP rule. Kocharyan has managed to create the gap between Armenians and Karabakhis by lawishing benefits to his compatriots. Remarkable is that his nominee Serge Sargsyan is Karabahki as well.

To Ghevond who is obviously not from Yerevan! This IS what Yerervanci think: The Karabakh Clan The two men represent the top of the "Karabakh Clan", whose members come from the region and have, over the last decade, politically dominated Armenia itself. Many Karabakh Armenians who have moved to Armenia and taken positions of power are now viewed with resentment by native Armenians. They speak a dialect that differs from the eastern Armenian of Yerevan and Armenia proper. Many Armenians, especially among the capital's educated elites, stereotype "Karabakhis" as somewhat rough or uncouth and resent that "shops and businesses are owned by Karabakh Armenians, that they have impunity on the streets in their expensive cars, that they are untouchable and have pushed Yerevanis out of jobs and businesses". There is a big gap between the perception in Armenia of Nagorno-Karabakh as the sacred idea supported by Armenians worldwide and Karabakh Armenians as represented by individuals in everyday life. It was at least partly this resentment of the Karabakh Armenians and their cliquish political influence that prompted Ter-Petrosian's surprise move to enter the presidential race in autumn 2007. Although he brought the two men to Yerevan in the 1990s to help rule when he was president, he derisively referred to the Karabakh Clan as "shepherds" or "herders" in campaign speeches and to Kocharian as "a provincial". He accused both men of nepotism, saying they had installed fellow Karabakh Armenians in top government jobs, who had now taken over the economy as well. "Because of these two persons, 15,000 people have moved from Karabakh to Armenia, mainly Yerevan, in the past ten years", Ter-Petrosian told a campaign rally in February 2008. Kocharian responded by calling for a law penalising discrimination based on place of origin, that is, against Karabakh Armenians.

I meant complementary.

To Ghevond Wake up! Artsakh has already been sold to Azeris (thanks to the complementar policy of your favorite president).

Inauguration Day is a public holiday for democratic countries, people gathering at streets to congratulate their president. Unfortunately, we cannot afford such luxury after what we have witnessed on March 1-2. Let them blow their balloons, sing their stupid songs, dance or whatever… After all, they’ve deserve this merrymaking after taking valiant efforts to seize power. Congratulations to bloody President…

To Ghevond, 2008-04-09 10:28:40 You are right. Anyone who is willing to give anything back to turks does not deserve to call themselves Armenian. It is a stupid and childish game to put differences among Armenians from difeerrent regions of Armenia or anywhere else in the world, for that matter, as long as they are Armenian. There nothing wrong if Serge is from Artsakh. By the way any future new president of Armenia should have served in the Armenian Armey and in be a vetran of Arsakh liberation war to appreciate what is Armenia about.

As a citizen of Armenia and a resident of Yerevan, I am proud of the new president. Let not one single traitor seperate us from our Artsakh. Some foreign paid politicians tried, some innocent but naive Armenians followed these mercenaries,but to no avail. Anyone who tries to sell Artsakh to the enemy will be dealth with the full force of the Armenian people.We have no patience for traitors, if people need to camp out as a protest, let them go to LTP mansion ad camp there inside his residence.Congratulation to the newly elected president, who happens to be an Armenian(lest some people forgot who he was) and not "Karabakhtsi" as some FOREIGN PAID AGENTS TRY TO PORTRAY HIM. Sorry Levon, you lost fair and square. If the traitors portray Mr.Sargissian as Karabakhtsi, then Levon is Halebtsi(Syria) which thoretically makes him a 100% foreigner, whereas Artsakh has been and is/was 100% Armenian lands.LTP you still have a chance to become president, for now relax and enjoy your short range retirement.

Legions of law enforcements congratulated Serge today by lining up all central streets of Yerevan. The whole Armenian police flooded the streets to shield him from people. Such an odd inauguration, just like other acts of intimidation, is inseparable part of the "democracy" Robert Kocharyan and his successor promote.