Robert Kocharyan

Robert Sedraki Kocharyan (born August 31, 1954) is an Armenian politician. He served as the President of Nagorno-Karabakh from 1994 to 1997, Prime Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh from 1992 to 1994. He was previously serving as the second President of Armenia between 1998 and 2008, Prime Minister of Armenia from 1997 to 1998. Kocharyan returned to active participation in Armenian politics following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. He participated in the 2021 Armenian parliamentary election as the head of the Armenia Alliance with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation and the Reborn Armenia party, losing to Nikol Pashinyan and the Civil Contract party.

Quotes

 * We are entering a new stage of the development of the statehood. The radical changes in the domains of public construction, judicial system, market economy, freedoms have become irreversible, and, with cooperation between the executive and legislative branches, we must bring all these to their natural development. The further promotion of democracy and continuation of the reforms have no alternatives. In this direction, the efficient work of the Parliament and its constructive attitude can greatly stimulate the positive processes. As a result, Armenia may come out in the world as a front runner in the region as far as permanent democratic values and stability are concerned. Everything depends on our level of responsibility and us. The accord in society, political dialogue and constructive cooperation are to become the credo of our people in the upcoming four years.
 * "Statement at the Opening Session of the newly elected Armenian National Assembly" (10 June 1999)


 * Today we have not only a government seeking revenge in Azerbaijan, but also a similarly minded Azerbaijani people. And when these two circumstances combine, the danger of a renewed war increases.
 * "Ex-president of Armenia Kocharyan gives first big interview since release from prison" in JAM News (30 July 2020)


 * I am trying to understand how the formula “Artsakh is Armenia, full stop” can be combined with a solution that should satisfy all parties. The formula of these authorities implies that either Karabakh should abandon the idea of ​​independence, or Azerbaijan should agree with the independence of Karabakh.
 * "Ex-president of Armenia Kocharyan gives first big interview since release from prison" in JAM News (30 July 2020)


 * All my close friends ask me ‘Why are you doing this [running for office]?’. And I always tell myself: ‘If not me, then who?’ I asked this question to myself in 1992, 1997 and I'm asking myself the same question now, today. It feels like it's my destiny to fix what others broke.
 * As quoted in an 2021 election rally in "Armenia’s ex-president seeks to lead again" in Eurasianet (17 June 2021)


 * In reality, all experts were voicing that the policy led in Armenia made the war inevitable. Different expert circles insisted we were not ready and we night face a controversial and severe war.
 * As quoted in an 2021 interview with Vladimir Pozner in "Robert Kocharyan: An unfair peace can not be lasting and sustainable" in Hyetert.org (6 April 2021)


 * An unduly unfair peace cannot be lasting and sustainable. I want to end this conflict, and we must find a solution which which will be fair.
 * As quoted in an 2021 interview with Vladimir Pozner in "Robert Kocharyan: An unfair peace can not be lasting and sustainable" in Hyetert.org (6 April 2021)

Excerpts from 2021 keynote speech on formation of 'Armenia' alliance
Kocharyan's keynote speech on formation of 'Armenia' alliance: The country faces a managerial and economic crisis (9 May 2021)
 * I have extensive management experience in crisis situations, accumulated experience, and knowledge in the security and defense system. I have experience in overcoming the economic crisis. The current dangers and the accumulated experience and knowledge practically coincide


 * What are we going to do when we come to power? First of all, it is necessary to assess the scale of the damage done to the country in all spheres: economy, legal system, education, science, etc. This is necessary to plan the next steps. Anti-crisis steps must be taken to stem the further degradation of security and governance. We must stop the economic downturn, we must restore the country's creditworthiness and predictability. We have long lost our reputation as a reliable partner in the international arena.


 * It is fundamentally important that people immediately feel the changes in the country, and people will feel it. We will not give empty promises, the key to our success is professionalism, experience, hard work, discipline and love for the country.


 * We will propose the concept of a working country, we will turn the country into a construction site again. Creating tens of thousands of jobs every year is a priority. We did it once, we will do it again.


 * The fight for the purity and efficiency of the state apparatus will be the best tool in the fight against corruption. This will be concrete work, not the slogans that the authorities are guided by today. Lying will be excluded in the state system. We have become a world of lies, we must start by eliminating those lies.


 * We will build a country that every Armenian can be proud of. We understand that no one will ensure our security, the development of our country and economy for us. Yes, we have allies, friends, but no one will do for us what we ourselves must do. They will be with us, they will help us, but our fate must be in our hands. We will build everything that I said in my speech. We will bring dignified peace and prosperity. Rest assured everything will be fine. Thank you.