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As unpopular as the ARF knew the decision would be, the party then decided to join in a de facto coalition with the current government of Sarkisian’s Republican Party, arguing that it was a necessary step to ensure the necessary oversight to implement the reforms within the nominated timeline—gaining critical momentum ...
As part of the agreement to join the government, the ARF was able to name three ministers currently serving in the nation’s government. Without going into arduous detail on each of their many policies focused on the party’s blue-collar roots, these ministers have taken to their responsibilities by maintaining a critica...
For example, the Minister for the Economy (Artsvik Minasyan), has begun working on the breaking up of monopolies disproportionately taking advantage of the nation’s wealth. Another example, the Minister for Education (Levon Mkrtchyan) is working on the de-politicization of schools, to ensure state-employed teachers hav...
Based on the previous point, the work is on track.
Also, the timeline is on track—the May 2017 parliamentary elections are when these reforms will pass their first major implementation milestone. The 2018 presidential elections will see the election of a person to a ceremonial (rather than all-powerful) President’s position. This will see the reforms completed.
The above is the “context” that is critical to the ARF’s position regarding the actions of the Sasna Tsrer. More points bringing the ARF context into the situation in Erebuni:
Considering all of the above, when the Sasna Tsrer decided to implement regime change by the immediate resignation of the President through armed “uprising,” the ARF could not possibly agree.
Firstly, what would such an unlikely immediate resignation of a president mean? Would Armenia elect another all-powerful president instead, but one more popular than Sarkisian? An honest observer will at least admit that there was a lack of political planning to this populist action from military men, which would surel...
Secondly, the ARF has experienced the frustrations of the Sasna Tsrer before with governments of the past. There were the early 1990’s, when then-President Levon Ter Petrosian expelled the ARF from Armenia and jailed its leading members. If there ever was a party currently active in Armenian political life which has a ...
Despite this history, it has always preferred to protect Armenia’s statehood. Critically, protecting Armenia’s statehood (the nation) does not mean protecting Armenia’s government (the leaders of the day). This is why the ARF did not raise arms against Ter Petrosian and his stooges.
And more recently, when the Armenia-Turkey Protocols would have sinfully rerouted the direction of justice for the Armenian Genocide and threatened Artsakh’s independence, the ARF fought the political fight. This was without resorting to pointing weapons at those taking the Armenian state down the path of destruction. ...
The ARF was successful in politically fighting these fights, and it wants to win this fight politically also, hence why it has pushed the constitutional reforms agenda.
The ARF accurately denounced the actions of the Sasna Tsrer. They didn’t denounce their frustrations, as the same frustrations led the ARF down the path of constitutional reforms. They didn’t denounce the people’s calls for a fair democracy, a more representative government, free elections, or a better Judiciary, as th...
And regarding the Artsakh undertone that has crept into the Erebuni debate—that lands and Artsakh independence was about to be surrendered by the government—the ARF, through its peak World Congress and recent reaffirmations by its hierarchy in Armenia, made it clear that it is against any return of sovereign Artsakh la...
I am glad that the ARF’s wishes that the Sasna Tsrer episode would end with the surrender of these men to authorities came to fruition, avoiding further bloodshed.
I trust, like the ARF, that the authorities are honest that these men will be treated lightly for their offences, considering their service to country. And despite condemnable and condemned failings on this front so far, I further trust that the state police will allow the people to freely and safely demonstrate for th...
I do wish for these people to get behind the constitutional reforms as the only peaceful path that has so far been tabled to the democracy Armenia craves and deserves.
My last point is regarding the key concern some people and other opposition groups had to the suggested constitutional reforms, which form the context behind the ARF’s position on Erebuni. They are concerned that these reforms would somehow lead to more years of Serge Sarkisian in power, or the continued power concentr...
I understand these concerns. Therefore, I think it would be appropriate and timely, after the dust has settled from the Sasna Tsrer saga, for President Sarkisian to personally announce (like a spokesperson of his party has already done), that he will not seek public office in Armenia after his current term is up.
The rest is up to the people, as it should be.
The ARF is with the people. It just has a different roadmap than Sasna Tsrer to the changes needed in Armenia. This roadmap is peaceful and deserves a chance, as it ultimately upholds the statehood of the Republic of Armenia.
Haig Kayserian
Haig Kayserian is the Executive Director of the Armenian National Committee of Australia, with a Bachelors in Media & Cultural Studies (Macquarie University) and is currently completing his Masters in Politics & Policy (Deakin University). He is a director at several technology companies based in the US and Australia a...
Latest posts by Haig Kayserian (see all)
1. One question needs to be clarified concerning Artsakh. There is confusion on what is being negotiated. It is important to clearly define the territories of the province of Armenian Artsakh. Many people understand it as the combined mountainous and tashdayin territories of Artsakh (Territories before the Soviet rul...
2. ARF Armenia is an official partner of this criminal regime and thus must take full responsibility for the criminality which is rife in all sectors from police thugs to injustices,coupled with the fact that there is not an ounce of democracy in Armenia,not to mention the endemic corruption from top to bottom in thi...
• Yes, and the ARF (and other parties, churches etc.) welcomed Sargsyan whole heartedly on his visit to the US a few months ago.
Why did they not protest his rigged election and corruption?
3. Sorry, I am not convinced.
Which monopolies have been broken up?
Which oligarchs and corrupt officials have been prosecuted and forced to pay back the stolen money?
What does the ARF in Armenia and in the US have to say and DO about Armenian citizens who come to this country and buy mansions with stolen money?
There is rampant electoral fraud in Armenia.
Until that is solved, Armenia is not a democracy and thus not answerable to its citizens.
I am also aware that at least one Armenian ambassador was an ARF member but was no more active than other talentless ambassadors before him in cooperating with the Diaspora. And don’t tell me that an Armenian ambassador cannot interact with Armenian Diasporans.
4. Very objective analysis.
Political analysts and activists should be able to differentiate (if they are independent) between the targets: turkish and azeri borders are not the same as the in-house official institutions, they are 180 degrees opposite.
The ARF, since the 1991 independence, lost in every vote, where it campaigned with its candidate(s) as a separate entity, but never resorted to armed violence (as the author mentions too), because it doesn’t want to present “Armenia’s head” on a silver platter to the enemies, whoever they are: the North, the West, ...
Constitutional changes in the current direction is the largest step forward, the best improvement ever, since the 1991 Independence, towards creating a free Armenian civil society, at the same time categorically excluding bloodshed. The individuals who opposed it are looking to keep the “one man show/power” structu...
Corruption exists in Armenia, it’s inherited from the Soviet times and it’s primary to uproot it as hard as possible; the new voted Constitution is the best means yet.
Sarkis Dagdevirian
5. it hurts to see what has happened in my homeland ! Things don`t happen for no reason, wake up TIME FOR A CHANGE. REAL CHANGE !!!!
6. Where do I start!? How long will my comment be!?
I think I will just agree with MK’s (above) comment that reminds everyone of the massive corruption (theft) that the ruling regime engages in. The ARF is a part of the ruling regime. They can make as many disapproving statements as they like, but the are now criminal-regime-partners who are tolerant of, and unable ...
7. I am not a political activist but a passionate Armenian who would love to see the country progress but I am sorry, I do not agree with comments such as: “if there was ever a party currently active in Armenian political life which has a proven track record of knowing how to use a gun, it is the 125 year old ARF”. W...
8. Dear Haig, I am not anti-ARF but your apologetic piece is just that – apologetic. De facto ARF is party to all the crimes of the occupation regime of Sargsyan. He has his internal army to suppress the will of the people – the police and NSS, which are very well fed and equipped as opposed to our Armed Forces. So, ...
9. First, if the present government WANTED to have free election! stop corruption! have an independent judiciary , they could have done it long ago. We all know that the president decided to change the constitution and opt for a parliamentary system just to retain power. Whether we agree or disagree with Sasna Dzrer ...
Position in tune with the wishes of the people. Everybody in Armenia knows about the imminent loss of lands and yet ARF is silent. Every one knows and there are so many testimonies how corruption affected even our national security and was the reason we lost in the April war……and ARF was silent, everyone knows that...
10. I’m surprised not to find any word about de-facto lost statehood to Putine Russia by giving up all, all – my friends, strategically valued objects and infrastructure of Armeniae economy and defence. This is anti-collonial, anti-Russian collonial uprise, which will continue, because otherwise all of Artsakh will b...
11. “The ARF is with the people. It just has a different roadmap than Sasna Tsrer to the changes needed in Armenia. This roadmap is peaceful and deserves a chance, as it ultimately upholds the statehood of the Republic of Armenia.”Says Haig Kayserian but so claims also the Republican Party of Armenia. I doubt that Ha...
12. Do you really need to write several pages to defend ARF’s position? If the ARF was “clean”, it would be obvious and you wouldn’t need to.
And FYI, among the “luminaries” you mention, Garegin Njdeh and Antranig both left the ARF. Not to mention Shahan Natalie who also resigned!
The ARF in Armenia has nothing to do with what the ARF has been historically. They only bare the same name. They are the same crooks, criminals and liars as the rest of the political arena in Armenia. Don’t waste your time defending people who have nothing to do with the historical ARF. You probably have never met ...
Your article also makes me wonder whether you’ve actually read the new constitution. Do you realize that it is a two-round jackpot system that guarantees one party or coalition a “stable majority” in parliament? … and that the definition of “stable majority” is not even defined in the constitution, but is to be def...
13. It is very disheartening that most of the comments are negative. A sad reflection of some of the thinking in the Diaspora.
We are all entitled to our opinions. However, unfounded broad allegations without any proof are not constructive. Non-objective emotional outbursts do not add value to the debate or the dialogue.
What happened is tragic and should not have happened. We should now give a chance to the Justice system, to reach to its just and fair conclusions and come up with the necessary reforms to bring unity and a healthy democratic environment, where free expression is truly free.
Otherwise, the alternative will be most discouraging.
Vart Adjemian
14. Let me venture a guess that the oligarchs tell SS what to do.
They control him because they have the money to bribe the police and army.
What needs to happen, in any case, is the HONEST political parties and the Sassoun Daredevils in opposition have to set up their own courts, try the oligarchs, and impose sentences.
These same courts must demand the return of ill-gotten money from foreign countries where oligarchs have established bank account. If need be, these courts can be established in the Diaspora if Serge is going to shut them down in Armenia. Sentences can be imposed “in absentia.”
Oligarchs’ kids in the US and elsewhere must be made to give up their mansions and money and returned to Armenia where sentences can be imposed and carried out without delay so that these thieving little brats (and dear thieving Mom and Dad) get what they so richly deserve.
The sentences will not be pleasant one. No, not at all pleasant.
15. I read Haig’s article and those of the 11 commentators. Haig is stating the “approach and method” ARF has chosen in order to bring about changes in Armenia. The commentators, eight out of eleven, are “accusing” the ARF with collusion with the authorities. Statement such as … “the ARF are RP’s partner”, “ARF is pa...
All agree that since independence, successive leaders have allowed the development of corruption, the oligarchs have taken the riches of the country, deep social degradation has been created, and all this has resulted in significant emigration out of the homeland. Like the commentators, ARF is concerned. And is doi...
When you look in depth, ARF is driven by its principles. It does not accept Armenian hostages be taken, nor cold blooded murder of policemen. It does not accept that Armenians are killed by other Armenians in Armenia. For ARF the solution to the current problems is not via taking arms against Armenians. Haig rightl...
Why then did the ARF decide to return to a Government when it does not endorse the policies? When in opposition outside the Government, the ARF concluded that it was outside the centres of decision-making and unable to act to make a difference. To be a driving force for change in Armenia, ARF is convinced that from...
As Haig mentioned, there has been progress. It is true, insufficient, but important. To name a few. At the summit of changes, the constitutional reform, which the ARF has been at the forefront since 1992 and since Levon Ter Petrossian introduced the presidential “monarchism”. Then, the new electoral code for which ...
The work to be done is immense and the people are exasperated, impatient and aspire to greater freedom and a better distribution of wealth. But today, despite all its faults the country needs stability in order to gradually improve things and not destabilizing conditions that could lead to civil war. The changes th...
WE ARE ALL ARMENIANS, ARMENIANS DON’T AND SHOULD NEVER SHOOT OR HARM EACH OTHER !! Like One of Our Heros Said : “Your Last Bullet before being Captured By Turks Should Not Be Used to Kill Yourself BUT to Kill Another a TURK !!
May God Be with All Armenian People, Amen !
Vahe’ Gharibian
17. To those dashnags (and not only) who keep singing the same song – “an Armenian should not spill the blood of another Armenian”. Serjik and Robik spilled blood on March 1, 2008 after which dashnags did not mind joining the illegitimate bloody government.
ARF is as discredited as it gets (at least in Armenia) and no amount of rant will help its reputation.
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Early American Aircraft Development and World War I
he Flyer takes off from Kill Devil Hill, with Orville Wright at the controls, while his brother Wilbur looks on, on December 17, 1903.
While human warfare dates back to at least the 15th Century when the Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC) was fought between Egyptian forces and a group of Canaanite vassal states led by the king of Kadesh, air combat is barely more than a century old. The Wright brothers made the first flight in history in 1903 and in...
The Wright Brothers at Kitty Hawk
On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright piloted first powered airplane flights in history over the windy beaches of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. The Wright brothers made four flights that day; with Orville taking the first flight that lasted a mere twelve seconds and traversed 120 feet. Wilbur piloted the long...
Aeronautical Division Created
On August 1, 1907, the United States established the Aeronautical Division of the Office of the Chief Signal Caller. This group was placed in “charge of all matters pertaining to military ballooning, air machines, and all kindred subjects.”
The Wright brothers made the initial test flights in August 1908 of what they hoped would become the Army's first airplane, the Wright Flyer. This had been built to military specifications. In order to be awarded a military contract for their aircraft, the Wright brothers had to prove that their planes were able to ca...
First Military Casualty
On September 8 and 10, 1908, Orville conducted exhibition flights and carried two different Army officers for a plane ride. On September 17th Orville made his third flight carrying Lieutenant Thomas E. Selfridge, who became the very first U.S. military personnel to be a casualty from an airplane crash.
In front of a crowd of 2,000 spectators, Lt. Selfridge was flying with Orville Wright when the right propeller broke causing the craft to lose thrust and go into a nose dive. Orville turned off the engine and was able to an altitude of about 75 feet, but the Flyer still hit the ground nose first. Both Orville and Selfr...
While Wright was wearing a cap, Selfridge was not wearing any headgear but had Selfridge had been wearing any type of helmet, he more than likely would have survived the crash. Due to Selfridge's death, the U.S. Army required their early pilots to wear heavy headgear which were reminiscent of football helmets from that...
On August 2, 1909, the Army chose a revamped Wright Flyer which had undergone much more testing as the first powered fixed wing aircraft. On May 26, 1909 Lieutenants Frank P. Lahm and Benjamin D. Foulois had become the first U.S. serviceman to qualify as Army pilots.
Aero Squadron Formed
The 1st Aero Squadron, also known as the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron, was formed on March 5, 1913 and it remains as America’s oldest flying unit. President William Taft ordered the unit organized due to increasing tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. At its’ origin, the 1st Squadron had 9 airplanes with 6 pilots and...
On March 19, 1916, General John J. Pershing ordered the 1st Aero Squadron to report to Mexico and therefore the first U.S. aviation unit to participate in military action. On April 7, 1916, Lt. Foulois became the very first American pilot to be captured even though he was only held for a day.
Their experience in Mexico taught both Army and the U.S. Government a very valuable lesson. The Squadron’s main weakness was that it had too few airplanes to properly conduct a military operation. World War I was teaching the importance of each squadron having 36 total airplanes: 12 operational, 12 for replacements, a...
In April 1916 with only 2 airplanes in flyable condition in the 1st Aero Squadron, the Army requested a $500,000 appropriation from Congress to purchase 12 new airplanes – the Curtiss R-2’s that were equipped with Lewis guns, automatic cameras, bombs, and radios
After much delay, the Army did receive 12 Curtiss R-2s but they were practical for the Mexican climate and required alterations which took until August 22, 1916 to get 6 planes into the air. As a result of their mission, the 1st Squadron was able to General Pershing with the first aerial review conducted by a U.S. air ...
US Aircraft in World War I
When the United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917, the countries aircraft industry was mediocre in comparison to Great Britain, Germany and France – each of which had been involved in the war from the onset and had learned firsthand about the strengths and weaknesses of combat ready aircraft. This was true e...
On July 18, 1914, the U.S. Congress replaced the Aeronautical Division with the Aviation Section of the Signal Corps. In 1918, the Aviation Section then became the Army Air Service. It would not be until September 18, 1947 that the United States Air Force was formed as a separate branch of the U.S. military under the...

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