Certain Surprises Await Ms. Karapetyan, Says Garnik Davtyan

Garnik Davtyan, a member of the opposition "Strong Armenia" faction in the National Assembly of Armenia, has commented on statements made by representatives of the government regarding his participation in international events, where he met with Azerbaijani youth.

Journalists' questions were prompted by the ruling party's representatives' remarks about Davtyan's previous application to participate in meetings with Azerbaijani participants in Georgia, for which he received confirmation.

The MP stated that attempts to present his participation in such events as something suspicious are manipulative efforts. "It saddens me that we are trying to compete with the disingenuous government in the realm of truth," said Davtyan, adding that his participation in international conferences is related to education and professional interest.

According to the deputy, as a student of the Faculty of International Relations, he has taken part in various conferences and educational programs, including events related to NATO, as well as seminars in the Armenian-Azerbaijani format.

He clarified that participation in such meetings occurs through a standard process: an application is submitted, the organizers review the candidates, conduct a selection, and invite participants. "That was simply a very inappropriate and manipulative speculation," declared Davtyan.

The MP emphasized that he has never hidden his experience in participating in such events and, on the contrary, has often spoken about it in interviews and public appearances. "I explained that I have been to Azerbaijan and clarified the format in which it took place. It is precisely because of this that I realized that there is a shortage of specialists in our field who should have deeper knowledge about the enemy state," he noted.

Davtyan believes Armenia needs experts who can professionally study neighboring countries and analyze their policies.

In response to the question of whether he is preparing a specific response to the accusations made against him, the MP stated that he prefers to act unexpectedly. "I like to create surprises. Certain surprises are definitely expected for Ms. Karapetyan," said Davtyan, adding that he anticipated such a topic emerging in the public domain.

Journalists also asked the MP about comparing his situation to that of Deputy Speaker Ruben Rubinyan, who faced criticism from opponents for studying and conducting research in Turkey. Davtyan stated that the opposition does not consider the mere fact of studying abroad or engaging in professional contacts as an issue. According to him, the question is about the necessity for public officials to be open with society.

"We do not blame him for studying in Turkey. We are talking about the fact that if you hold a public office, are a parliament member or a public servant, you must be accountable to society and present your biography in detail," he said.

Moreover, the MP emphasized that his personal interactions with Azerbaijani participants have been open. "I was asked such questions—I answered honestly. I have never hidden that I met with Azerbaijanis within the framework of conferences. It was not only my participation; a group from Armenia went, and a group from Azerbaijan came, including representatives from Georgia," noted Davtyan.

He added that the main demand of the opposition towards government representatives is not related to the mere fact of international interactions but is connected to the necessity for complete openness before society.

"Our goal is to ensure that accountability before society is clearer and more direct, without hiding details. We want to raise questions that concern us and our voters, in order to obtain answers and understand how justified our concerns are," concluded the MP.