YEREVAN (A.W.)–Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Bureau member and leader of the party’s parliamentary bloc, Vahan Hovhanessian, on Sept. 3 confirmed that the Sarkisian government had offered him the position of ambassador—and that he has accepted.
In an interview with Yerkir.am, Hovhanessian debunked false rumors about the offer, clarifying that it does not signal a shift in the party’s political standing, nor does it undermine its status as an opposition party. He noted that the offer was made solely to him, and has nothing to do with the party.
Since Hovhanessian’s acceptance, the Armenian media has been abuzz with news that he will be appointed ambassador of Armenia to Germany. Hovhanessian has not yet confirmed the destination of his ambassadorship, only that he will represent Armenia. The ARF Bureau has approved his position for ambassadorship.
Hovhanessian condemned the rumors in the media that alleged a shift in ARF’s policy in order to confuse the public. “The work of an ARF leader in diplomacy in no way deters the party,” concluded Hovhanessian. The offer, he said, will not influence the politics of the party, nor does it aim to advance cooperation with the ARF. A prospective agreement with the Sarkissian Administration is out of the question, he explained, adding that the offer “does not signal any change in my political views and beliefs, since the offer is only practical in nature.”
Hovhanessian the Armenian Parliamentary delegation to EuroNest and is the current co-chairman of that body. He’s had active roles in Armenia’s delegation to the NATO Partnership for Peace Program and the European Union’s Eastern Partnership Program. His delegation marked successful achievements in foreign policy, despite the unfavorable conditions that they had to face.
Varak Ketsemanian
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I don’t buy his reasoning,itshollow.
After all ARF left the coalition as a direct result of the treacherous Armenian/Turkish protocols,and now he wants to work for his master serzh who has implemented that foreign policy.
Vahan serzh’s in law was the main architect for the ARF to join the serzh coalition when 10 people were murdered in the streets of Yerevan n during the elections.
what a joke,do you expect people to believe that,its just lamentable.
Its more like pay back time.
This is an easy way to co-opt him and get him out of the country at the same time, so he can no longer be a thorn in the side of the government.
He shouldn’t accept the offer.
Vahan Hovhanessian’s does not make a convincing statement when he claims that “The work of an ARF leader in diplomacy in no way deters the party,”.
An Ambassador represents the government that appointed him or her.
As one of the architects of the ARF stand against the policies of the Sarkissian government Vahan Hovhannesian could not or should not have possibly worn two hats on one head.
His opposition to the Sarkissian regime was was either not of principle or his willingness to represent and uphold the Sarkissian Government abroad is deceptive. Either way it does not speak much of the man’s action.
ARF will do itself a great service if Vahan left the party if it doesn’t want to see its support base in Armenia and diaspora more eroded.
ARF needs younger and energetic individual who can be replaced with Mr. Hovanessian departure. ARF must replace all their older party members with younger ones, in order to be more successful in Armenian Parliamentary election, especially, for the next Armenia’s presidential election!
The irony not understanding the irony that you accept ambassador position from the very person you have been opposition to for the past 5 years.
GB is right any political paarty ,for that matter,needs to be rejuvenated now and then,especially this one and the Ramgavar one (within the Armenian such).We need Young blood with bright , vigorous ideas and gusto to sail ahead. These old timers are not to be abandoned but invited to cooperate and establish our higher(if you wish) Chamber.I was the first one (publishsed in my book as well)to advocate a S E N A T E for Armenia. Ironically a Tashnag member couple yrs ago claimed that they had been the ones to bring this forth. My proof is there in my book published some near 8 yrs ago…
And Not only people like Vahan but many many others that have been marginalized could then come back to this prestigious Chamber and ¨suggest¨ and/or conform or refute New issues that may creep up now and then at the RA Paarliament.
Best, hasgcoghin
Ծերակույտ is a great idea.
will enhance the resilience and stability of the state.
and the term of service should overlap the Presidential and NA terms, so there is continuity.
Երբ Ծերակոյտ-ի արթիւ գրած էի,եղբորս կը մօտենայ երկուքիս բարեկամը եւ…հէգնանքով(եղբայրդ կուզէ ծերանոց հիմնել Հայաստան..such is the Armenian*mostly…unfortunately….
Let’s not get off the track, the issue in question though..
This man in question was in charge of a very important post/position in RA.And believe you me , I have no grudge or anything for him.Quite the contrary i would love to see him,Paruyur Hairikian, ex Acadmey og sci members. politicians, MP’s ex-Ministres such as Vahan and a whole lot of them become oiur Senators….in that higher Chamber..why should we let them waste away their abilities, experience, etc.,
Thanks for your supporting the idea Avery.Am back from Armenia….stateside