It is already a year Gagik Beglaryan hold the post of Yerevan's Mayor. He was elected to the post on May 31, 2009 but he was appointed to the office two months ago on March 4.
Following his speech in the 18th session of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, A1+ addressed Mr. Beglaryan a few questions. But out interview was left unfinished since the Mayor was busy.
Do you fill any difference between the posts of an appointed and elected mayor?
I felt the difference for seven years when I was heading Yerevan's Kentron district. Surely, the state mentality does not differ in both cases and it does not matter whether one holds an elective or appointed office. On the other hand, there is a difference since when you hold an elective post you should render an account to your voters and try your best to justify their hopes.
Doesn't Yerevan's Council of Elders share this responsibility? (On May 31 an election to the Elders' Council was held in Yerevan).
Surely, the Council of Elders makes most of the decisions. Along with the mayor, the Council must be engaged in the process of decision-making.
Don't you have an influence on decisions? If you approve of this or that decision will the Council of Elders object to you?
The Council has a right to object but the mayor's influence is undisputed. The mayor must be capable to substantiate his statement. He/she must be able to logically convince the Council of the importance and maturity of taking a decision on the matter.
As you have said Yerevan has more than 30 sister cities. Is there any city you would Yerevan to resemble?
We still need to thrive whatever we have in our capital.
Is there anything Yerevan lacks today?
You say in Yerevan? The most important are Yerevan citizens, everything else can be obtained with the lapse of time?
Do you think that 2792-year-old Yerevan still possesses "the old city"?
If we compare Yerevan with other old cities we can say that we do not have such a city but we do have the museum of Erebuni. We are engaged in a good business today and we aim to restore the museum with all its charm and beauty so that each tourist will have a chance to get acquainted with out 2792-year-old city. We have a lot to display and we shall register serious progress in the upcoming years. You will witness changes with every passing day - greening, reconstruction, appliance of new technologies, etc.
Do you have meetings with ordinary citizens frequently?
Yerevan Mayor was unable to answer the question. He had to depart as the Mayor of Odessa was waiting for him.
Karine Asatryan
Strasbourg
