Talk with Ambassador: Aram Grigoryan (PHOTO)
15:51, 21.03.2015
In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am Armenia’s Consul General in
Batumi Aram Grigoryan tells about development of Armenia-Georgia
relations, the life of Armenian community in Adjara, tens of thousands
of tourists coming to the region every summer.
Armenia’s Consulate General in Batumi does a huge job especially in
summer season. Tell a little about the history of the opening of
consulate and daily routine.
Armenia’s Consulate General in Batumi was founded in April 2008. We
are working in Imereti and Guria regions, Adjara autonomous republic
as well as a port city of Poti. The consulate was opened on the
initiative of the then Armenia’s Ambassador to Georgia Hrach
Silvanyan, and it was a strategically right decision.
There are many Armenians living in Georgia, and there is old community
with rich history and traditions in Adjara. In addition this region is
a key hub, the largest crossing point on Georgia-Turkey border. There
are numerous citizens of Armenia passing every day, and it is much
easier to solve the problems on the ground.
The sea resorts of Adjara and Guria have become popular destination
for thousands of Armenians. Unfortunately, very often the holidays of
our compatriots are accompanied by difficulties, and sometimes tragic
incidents, and the consulate staff are working to solve this problems.
Besides, around 70% of goods imported by Armenia are coming to the
port of Batumi and Poti and then moving to Armenia by train.
We are focused on these directions, but we are also working to promote
cooperation between Armenia and Armenian regions with Adjara. We must
do our utmost to expand and develop cooperation in the future.
Batumi has become new homeland for many refugees from adjacent Ardvin
that is situated in the territory of today’s Turkey. What role does
Armenian community have in the life of the city?
The last census, conducted in 2007, showed that Adjara is home to
around 10 thousand Armenians, of which 8.5 thousand live in Batumi.
Over the past eight years this figure has not changed significantly,
except for the fact that part of Adjara Armenians are now engaged in
seasonal work abroad. Employment, the preservation of national
identity, freedom of movement – these are the most important issues
for the local Armenians.
Batumi often became life-saving door for thousands of our compatriots
who had fled from the cruel massacres of Armenians in Turkey. Many of
them have stayed at this hospitable land. Armenian philanthropist and
businessman Alexander Mantashev lived and worked in Batumi for many
years. His beautiful house is situated in the center of the city.
There was a church, an Armenian theater, school, Armenian newspapers.
It is safe to say that Batumi was largely Armenian town, and I want to
note that Batumi Armenians are trying to keep these elements of the
atmosphere to this day. I want to emphasize that an Armenian church of
St. Savior built in 1895 is the main link consolidating the Armenian
community of Batumi.
Tens of thousands of our compatriots come to Batumi for holiday
season. Isn’t it difficult to solve all problems? Are there an cases
that can puzzle diplomats?
Indeed, the period from mid-June to the end of September is the
busiest not only for local coastal areas, but also for the Consulate
General. It is especially difficult when someone dies, and this,
unfortunately, occurs every year. For example, in 2013, four people
sank, and three of them were citizens of Armenia. Often there are
other incidents that require intervention of the Consulate General.
You are one of the experienced Armenian diplomats. What is your advice
to young diplomats who will continue your mission?
No one is born being a diplomat. You can become a diplomat, but there
are few people who can really become diplomats, because this job has
many requirements.
First diplomat should love his homeland and be prepared to make
sacrifice for the sake of it. The diplomat must be well-educated. He
must be familiar with the works of classics. He should have good
knowledge of history, political science, political processes, he
should know everything connected with his country from literature,
history, art, and up to all the news.
It is very important to have analytical thinking, an ability to
quickly navigate and make the right decisions. There are times when
one word, even a comma can be fatal for your state. This means that
your every word must be weighed carefully and thought out to the end,
because by saying it you will not be able to correct it any more. This
means that any pre-scheduled meeting or a private conversation must be
well prepared.
A man without humor, I say it openly, has nothing to do with this job.
In this case, the humor must be intelligent. I would advise that young
diplomats read, in addition to the special literature, the works by
classics of diplomacy. In this sense, it is very useful to study the
period of Napoleon Bonaparte. The emperor himself was not only a
gifted military leader, but also a great diplomat, otherwise he could
not be able to take advantage of the fruits of his military success.
In addition, he had a unique foreign minister, whose name was Charles
Maurice de Talleyrand Perigord. Numerous statements of this
extraordinary man are still relevant today, two hundred years later.
Let me remind you one of his quotes: “Language was given to a man to
conceal his thoughts.”
Of course, a brilliant diplomat must know several languages. If you
are appointed to another country, you must not only learn everything
connected with it, but also to learn the language because by this move
you show your respect for the host country and the people. It is
perceived positively and at the same time improves the image of your
country.
The previous interviews in this project:
Talk with Ambassador: Tatoul Markarian
Talk with Ambassador: Armen Khachatryan
Talk with Ambassador: Gegham Gharibjanyan
Talk with Ambassador: Arman Kirakossian
Armenia News – NEWS.am
From: Baghdasarian
http://news.am/eng/news/257991.html