ARF’s Hovannesian Clarifies Ambassadorship Rumors

ARF Parliamentary faction leader and Bureau member Vahan Hovannesian

ARF leader confirms that he has been approached to represent Armenia in a diplomatic capacity

YEREVAN—Armenian Revolutionary Federation Burea member and leader of the party’s parliamentary bloc Vahan Hovannesian on Tuesday confirmed that he has been approached by the Sarkisian Administration to represent Armenia as an ambassador.

In an interview with Yerkir.am Hovanessian responded to questions, which aimed to quell rampant rumors in the Armenian media, including speculation by some outlets that Hovannesian’s reported appointment is signaling a shift in the party’s political posturing and its role as an opposition party.

Reports in the Armenian media suggested that Hovannesian is being eyed for the ambassadorship of Germany. While Hovanessian did not confirm the destination of his appointment but said, “Yes. I have received an offer to represent Armenia.”

“The offer was made directly to me and not to the Armenian Revolutionary Federation,” explained Hovannesian, adding that the suggestion does not aim to establish a new agreement with the party, nor does it aim to advance cooperation with the ARF.

“I repeat, the offer has been made to me and I have agreed. Naturally, I have presented this issue to the party, which has also given its blessing,” said Hovanessian.

The ARF leader said that administration’s offer to him stemmed from his years of experience in foreign policy where he has led the Armenian parliamentary delegation to EeuroNest and his current co-chairmanship of the same body. Hovanessian has also led active roles in Armenia’s delegation to the NATO Partnership for Peace Program and the European Union’s Eastern Partnership Program.

“I would like to stress that during the last three years, given Armenia’s integration talks with Europe, the activities in the sphere of EuroNest have become a daily diplomatic effort,” said Hovannesian. “Despite the extremely non-conducive environment created by representatives of GUAM countries, our delegation has registered significant successes.”

Hovanessian also explained that offer is a practical one and does not signal a change in his political views, which have been clearly articulated during his tenure as a member of parliament.

“I am certain the person making this offer is well-aware of my positions and posturing,” said Hovanessian who called media reports that allege a shift in the ARF’s policy “wrong” and “deliberate, in order to confuse the public.”

Hovannesian was asked about his and the ARF’s very public disagreements with the administration, specifically as it related to the Armenia-Turkey protocols and the party’s call for Foreign Minister Eduard Nalbandian’s resignation.

Hovanessian explained that the disagreements remain not only on the matter of the protocols but also on other fronts, including a proposal to sign a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation between Armenia and the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic.

“The work of an ARF leader in the diplomatic arena in no way deters the party,” explained Hovanessian, adding that the work of a diplomat, under ethical mandates, assumes a level of restrictions, which is very normal.