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ARF'S HOVANNESIAN CLARIFIES AMBASSADORSHIP RUMORS
http://asbarez.com/113502/arf%E2%80%99s-hovannesian-clarifies-ambassadorship-rumors/
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013
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 Bureau 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.
http://asbarez.com/113502/arf%E2%80%99s-hovannesian-clarifies-ambassadorship-rumors/
Tuesday, September 3rd, 2013
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 Bureau 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.