In a joint interview with Yerevan.Today, Politik.am , News.am, and Channel 5, Armenia’s second President Robert Kocharyan addressed a broad spectrum of topics, including domestic politics, foreign policy, the 2018 events, and the possibility of impeaching the Prime Minister. Kocharyan stated that his past demonstrates his ability to manage crises effectively.

“I declare that I am the person who can resolve these issues,” he said.

Key points from the interview, published on Kocharyan’s Facebook page, include:

1. He doesn’t believe a symbol of defeat can bring about dignified peace, claiming Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s motives are unrelated to peace.
2. Armenia cannot ensure its own security independently in this region; strengthening the military and building strategic partnerships is essential.
3. Kocharyan warned that Turkey’s neo-Ottoman ambitions are resurging, and Armenia must avoid being coerced while building pragmatic relations.
4. He advocates restoring Armenia’s strategic partnership with Russia and incorporating Iran into a trilateral framework.
5. He rejected the idea of anyone attempting to seize Mount Ararat, calling it a national symbol under threat from the current government’s rhetoric.
6. During his presidency, there were no discussions about Armenia joining a Union State with Russia or Belarus.
7. The negative perception of Belarus followed President Lukashenko’s visit to Shushi, but Kocharyan noted no such tensions existed during his term.
8. He criticized the European Union’s mechanisms for imposing decisions on member states, suggesting Armenia should keep its distance if sovereignty is a priority.
9. He dismissed the notion that Russia should incite Armenian animosity toward Turkey, calling such expectations unserious.
10. Kocharyan accused current leaders of promoting anti-Russian sentiment for political gain.
11. He argued that Armenia’s territorial issues with Azerbaijan should have been addressed through bilateral ties with Russia, not via the CSTO.
12. He said Armenia undermined Russia’s mediating role after signing the Prague agreement and then unreasonably expected Russia to act as a mediator.
13. Kocharyan noted that leadership change alone won't suffice without increased national influence and capable governance.
14. He expressed doubt about a breakthrough in Russia-Ukraine talks, predicting a frozen conflict instead.
15. Impeachment isn’t realistic, he said, and he has no interest in futile political processes.
16. He distanced himself from assumptions that he was fully aligned with Armenia’s third president post-tenure.
17. Allegations that the Iran-Armenia gas pipeline was misrouted are completely false, he asserted.
18. In 2008, Kocharyan supported only Serzh Sargsyan for the presidency, citing the priority of national security.
19. He contrasted Pashinyan’s praise of the people in 2018 with his current criticisms labeling citizens lazy and fearful.
20. He dubbed Pashinyan the “Einstein of corruption,” claiming that the ANIF fund is emblematic of a new level of corruption, far worse than past scandals.
21. A prosecutorial review showed Kocharyan’s wealth is far below previous reports, most of which was acquired post-presidency.
22. With elections a year away, parliamentary struggles are intensifying, as ruling parties fear accountability.
23. He denied asking the Republican Party to run in 2021 elections and stated their participation actually hindered him.
24. The 2018 change in power had serious consequences for both the Republican Party and former President Serzh Sargsyan.
25. He challenged claims that the Republican Party helped establish him, saying the reverse may be true.
26. He recalled warning Sargsyan in April 2018 about growing unrest, which was underestimated.
27. If removing the current government requires forming a coalition, Kocharyan sees no alternative, though joint elections remain unlikely.
28. He proposed using Pashinyan’s image as an emoji symbolizing ignorance, mocking his self-admitted failures.
29. Kocharyan reaffirmed that he can govern during crises and resolve Armenia’s challenges.
30. He praised Armenians as intelligent and industrious, describing this as the country’s key competitive advantage that attracted foreign investment.