I knew that the next day I was going to meet with the President’s father. I tried to gather information. I was surprised with what I heard. He plays backgammon with the neighbors, walks without bodyguard and is very frank while talking. After our meeting I understood that the information I had received was right. Grandfather Azat has lived a difficult life, but he has always worked. He has kept his family, built a house and brought up sons. But today he is the same simple, frank and kind person.

- Where are You from?

- I was born in 1929, in Ter village, Goris region. My parents were from the same village. I am a blacksmith. I have worked in ''GharMetaks'' Combine for 50 years.

- Now the Combine probably doesn't work.

- I retired in 1993. The Combine doesn't exist anymore.

- And why did You move to Stepanakert?

- In 1937 my father was exiled. After a while my mother, me, my little brother and my sister moved to Stepanakert. I was eight. I studied at school only three years.

And did Your father return?

- No, he died. We don't even know where and how.

- And do You live in Yerevan now?

- No. Only the children came. Me and my wife live in Stepanakert. When you come to Stepanakert, ask for Blacksmith Azat's house. Our door is always open. And when I come to Yerevan, I visit my sons and grandchildren.

- Where were You during the war?

- Of course in Karabakh.

- It was probably difficult, why didn't You come to Yerevan?

- Of course it was difficult. How could the war be easy? How could I move to Yerevan?

- Father, I heard that You love Your neighbors and play backgammon with them both in Stepanakert and in Yerevan. Do You play well?

- I both win and lose (laughing).

- I also know that You don't have bodyguard. Is it right?

- One and half year ago my wife broke her leg and was in hospital. I was going to hospital on taxi. I was being asked why I going on taxi and didn't have car and bodyguards. I were answering that I didn't need any bodyguard.

- Do the friends of Your sons visit You?

- Of course, a lot. Vazgen Sargsyan was visiting us. I loved and respected him very much. He was a wonderful person. It is a pity.

- Your sons are public persons, everyone knows them. What do You feel about it?

- Any person will be happy for having children who reached their aims.

- As Your sons are known people, people say both good and bad things. How do you accept bad things?

- Of course it is difficult for me. But sometimes there is right criticizm which should be taken into account.

- Do You often meet with Your sons, taking into account the fact that they are busy?

- If we don't meet, but I know that everything is all right with them it is enough for me. But we often meet.

- And with grandchildren?

- Of course. Today, Serzh's elder daughter called me to her place. I should go. I haven't seen the new born baby.

- How many grandchildren do You have?

- Sashik has two, Levon also has two, Serzh also – two.

- Do You miss Your children and grandchildren?

- Yes of course.

- Are there special days, events when all the family gathers and celebrates?

- For example, it was my birthday on 20th and we gathered all together. We are very connected with one another.

- Is Your pension enough for You and Your wife?

- I understand what you want to say. Of course no, my sons help us.

- Do You believe that the economy will develop and the people will live well during Your son’s ruling?

- Only the President can’t do everything. The people should help. We should be united.

- What is the most important thing?

- Happiness of the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren. Let them reach their aims. I don't need gold. I wish everyone to have children.

"Hayatsk" daily