ArmInfo.The ex-owner of the Troika Dialog investment company Ruben Vardanyan, in an interview with RBC TV, stated his intention to start a political career. Asked whether he is going to join Armenian politics, Mr Vardanyan said he has often been asked about it lately.
My short answer is yes. But as regards the politics I consider to be more than just leading a political party, my answer is different: it is my desire to lead the country," the businessman said. He is in active search of answers to all-important questions concerning Armenia`s development. "All these questions are beyond my being a businessman and beyond my everyday life. In this sense, of course, I am involved in politics," he said.
As to whether he is ready to become Armenia`s president. Vardanyan noted that he has been asked about it in "very many interviews." "Having a desire to lead the country under the present conditions, considering Armenian society`s viewpoint, 'he ants to lead the country', requires one`s having an illogical thinking. The country is in a grave situation. Its future is absolutely unclear," the businessman said. The issue of Armenia remaining an independent state is high on the agenda now. Under the circumstances, "assuming the responsibility for leading the country means being a very brave and venturesome person." "I have always said that if the elite unites and consider it to be the right decision that it should be me or any other - any decision is possible - because I am ready to be a shoemaker and a cleaner and a leader for my nation."
"If I assume the responsibility for being one of those ready to be accountable for Armenia`s future, I must be ready to hold any position - ambassador to Guatemala, for example, if it is important for Armenia," Vardanyan said.
Ruben Vardanyan is 116th in the Forbes list of Russi`s richest businessmen, with his assets estimated at $1mln. He and his managers sold Troika Dialog to the Sberbank for $1.4bln in 2011.