Category: 2019

Refrain from the “filters” of the judiciary. statement

Yeghisabet Arthur
  • 22.05.2019

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  • Armenia:

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The statement of the “For Social Justice” party regarding the situation created around the judicial system.

“It is undeniable that the judicial system of Armenia needs to be reformed, and the corps of judges should be filled with new professional personnel who are not connected to any political power or corruption risks. But the question is, by what methods do we want to achieve these goals?

The actions taken by the executive body against the courts on May 19-20 are unacceptable. First, these actions entailed enormous pressure on the judiciary, which, according to the Constitution, is independent. The ruling party once again, as in the autumn of last year, created an emergency situation and in those conditions announced steps that do not fit into the logic of the political processes of a legal state.
Second. personal political orientations played a key role in this whole situation. And the national interests of our state cannot be harmed by such “transition of persons”. All political controversies must be resolved within the legal framework and within the framework of healthy political competition.

Taking into account all this, the “For Social Justice” party urges to stay in the legal field, like him, and to refrain from the “purifications” of the judiciary, which are hardly perceived both by Armenia and our international partners.

Judicial reforms, like any reform in our country, require more balanced approaches, including from the point of view of attracting new personnel, transparency of the process of making court decisions, and modernization of the technical part of court activities.”

If the RA government wants to go this way, the EU is ready to support. Svitalsky

Jagharian Tania
  • 22.05.2019

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  • Armenia:

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The EU considers RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s statement about the judicial system as a firm commitment to reforms. Head of the European Union Delegation to Armenia, Ambassador Pyotr Svitalsky announced this in a conversation with journalists.


He noted that they did not have the opportunity to discuss the issue in detail with the Armenian government, the Minister of Justice or other people, but what the Prime Minister mentioned is very clear for the EU.


“It is a very clear and very strong commitment to justice reform. The Minister of Justice spoke about vetting, presenting the Albanian model. The European Union worked closely with the Albanian government to develop the so-called Albanian model, and today that vetting model is supported by the European Union. This is an opportunity for the Armenian side to take into account,” Svitalsky noted.


According to him, if the Armenian government wants to go this way, the EU is ready to support it. But it hasn’t been discussed yet.


“The EU believes that reforms in the field of justice in Armenia are of vital importance from the point of view of the future. I can say that deep and comprehensive justice reforms are essential for your future for a number of reasons, but the first reason is that the Armenian people do not trust the courts. In the past years, the European Union financially supported the conduct of independent studies, which documented that too many Armenians do not trust the courts.


And we published the partnership report today, you can find there chapters that refer to other structures, in which it is also mentioned that Armenia has a problem. too many people don’t trust the courts. Therefore, you need reforms to restore public confidence. We believe that the reforms should be carried out respecting the Constitution, Armenia’s international commitments, including from the point of view of membership in the Council of Europe, respecting our joint commitments, in particular, regarding reforms in the field of justice,” the ambassador noted.


Pyotr Svitalsky added: “We are ready to support Armenia for deep and comprehensive reforms in the field of justice, with technical or advisory support, and fairly extensive financial support. We strongly support the commitments undertaken by the Prime Minister to implement reforms in the justice sector. This is an extremely serious commitment. We never impose anything, but the Armenian government should know that it can count on our support during the implementation of these reforms, based on these very principles. The EU encourages the RA government to develop reforms on the basis of an inclusive dialogue with all interested parties.”

Dutch Parliament discusses Erdogan¹s Hate Speech on Armenian Genocide

Khondkarian Raffi
Title: Dutch Parliament discusses Erdogan’s Hate Speech on Armenian Genocide

Federation of Armenian Organisations in The Netherlands (FAON)

Address: Weesperstraat 91 – 2574 VS The Hague, The Netherlands

Website: www.faon.nl

E-mail: [email protected]



PRESS RELEASE

Dutch Parliament discusses Erdogan’s Hate Speech on Armenian Genocide



The Hague, – The Federation of Armenian Organisations in the Netherlands (FAON) has rejected Foreign Minister Stef Blok’s lax response to the call from the House of Representatives to condemn the unacceptable words about the Armenian Genocide by Turkish president Erdogan on 24 April 2019, the commemoration day of the Armenian Genocide.



During the debate in the Chamber on 15 May 2019 on the situation in Turkey, the minister was urged by various factions to condemn the inadmissible denial practices by Turkish President Erdogan, who stated that “the relocation of the Armenian gangs and their supporters, who massacred the Muslim people, was the most reasonable action that could be taken in such a period”.



In his plea, MP Joël Voordewind (ChristianUnion – CU) recalled also the still valid motion by Rouvoet, in which the Chamber unanimously instructed the government to put constantly and explicitly the recognition of the Armenian Genocide on the agenda in the dialogue with Turkey. This motion from 2004 is the first unanimous recognition of the Armenian Genocide by Dutch Parliament. The motion has been quoted countless times in the Parliament, when the human rights situation in Turkey in general and the denial of the Armenian Genocide in particular has been discussed.



MPs Martijn van Helvert (Christian Democratic Appeal – CDA) and Kees van der Staaij (Reformed Political Party – SGP) also made an important point, that a Dutch response is necessary to the unheard statements made by the Turkish president.



Minister Blok dismissed these urgent questions about, in his words, “the issue of the Armenian Genocide”, by saying that he will not respond each time to what other people say.



The FAON believes that the trivialising responses of the Minister are an evidence of a far-reaching and dangerous political opportunism. In the discussions, the Minister had to answer several times the question about the method used not only to restore the relations with Turkey but also expand them. The question has also been raised if it wouldn’t be naïve to hope that by increasing trade relations, it will be possible to achieve improvements in the rule of law in Turkey.



Erdogan and Armenian Genocide

In a speech at a symposium on national archives and historical research and in a tweet on 24 April 2019, President Erdogan raged in unprecedented ways, suggesting that the Turkish archives uncover the truth about history. He spoke in terms of “Armenian gangs killing Muslims”, making the deportations of the Armenians “the most reasonable action”. He also addressed France full of hatred, where this year 24 April was declared a national day of commemoration of the Armenian Genocide.



Alteration and denial of the facts around the Armenian Genocide have been at the heart of Turkey’s denial policy for decades. Like the Dutch government, many have presumed to show a positive development trough vague statements about ”compassion with Armenians” from Turkey, but the recent comments show not only that the policy of denial has not changed, but as well that Erdogan will not hesitate to spread hate over the backs of innocent victims. This is a dangerous and unacceptable fact. In fact, a start should be made finally to face the black pages in history.



The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the Armenian community tries to keep the memory of the victims of the Armenian genocide alive in a peaceful and dignified manner. The Turkish community is taken into account here, and where possible it is involved, such as at the national commemoration on 24 April 2019 in Assen, where the Armenian genocide monument also involved a joint wreath laying of Armenian, Turkish and Kurdish youth.



At the resumption of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Netherlands, Minister Blok recently spoke about the many pillars on which they rest. It was assumed that the Netherlands would strongly condemn the flagrant denial in the aforementioned judgments and that Turkey would be challenged.



The FAON points out that in 2004 the House of Representatives had already instructed the government to put the recognition of the Armenian Genocide on the agenda in negotiations with Turkey. Also, apart from this motion, an appropriate response is necessary. The Parliament also explicitly recognised the Armenian Genocide in later rulings, such as in February 2018 with the virtually unanimous adoption of Motion by MP Voordewind. This is a moment when the government cannot remain silent. Even in the mistaken view of the government, that the government could not legally use the term genocide, which is strongly criticised by FAON, the Netherlands, which advocates international law, cannot remain silent. Silence is equivalent to consent!

Federation of Dutch Armenian Organizations • FAON



Press release
The discussion of Erdogan’s hate speech about the Armenian Genocide in the Dutch Parliament


The Hague, 20 May 2019. – The Federation of Dutch Armenian Organizations (FAON) considers the response of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands Steph Block to the call of the members of the Dutch Parliament to condemn the absurd words of the Turkish President Erdogan about the Armenian Genocide, which he expressed in 2019, unacceptable. on April 24, the day of commemoration of the victims of the Great Genocide.


On May 15, 2019, during the discussions about the situation in Turkey in the parliament, deputies from different factions appealed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs to condemn Turkey’s impermissible denialist policy, which is manifested in the words of Turkish President Erdogan that “the resettlement of Armenian terrorist groups and their supporters, who massacred the Muslim people, was the most reasonable action that could be initiated at that time.”


In his speech, MP Joel Voordewind (Christian Union – CU) reminded of the Rauvut resolution, which is still valid, where the parliament unanimously instructed the government to continuously and openly include the recognition of the Armenian Genocide on the agenda within the framework of the dialogue with Turkey. This resolution unanimously adopted by the Dutch parliament in 2004 is considered the first document of the recognition of the Armenian Genocide by the parliament. The provisions of this resolution were repeatedly cited in the parliament when the human rights situation in Turkey in general and the denial of the Armenian Genocide in particular were discussed.


MPs Maarten Van Helwert (Christian Democratic Party – CDA) and Kees Van Der Staay (Reformed Political Party – SGP) also addressed this issue and considered it necessary to reverse the Dutch side’s response to the unheard statements of the Turkish president.


Minister Blok avoided, in his words, to give a direct answer to those urgent questions related to the “Armenian Genocide problem”, noting that he usually does not want to respond to the words of different people.


The Federation of Dutch Armenian Organizations (FAON) believes that this diminishing response of the minister indicates extreme and dangerous political unprincipledness. During the discussions, the minister had to give an account several times not only about the means to restore but also to expand the relations with Turkey, as well as about the naive hope of the Dutch that with the development of trade relations, it will be possible to improve the legality in Turkey.



Erdogan and the Armenian Genocide

2019 On April 24, President Erdoğan, speaking at the symposium organized under the title “Development of our archives, vision and promotion of historical research” and in his tweet, made an unprecedented shameful statement. He said that the Turkish archives reveal the historical truth. In his words, “deporting the Armenian terrorist groups and their supporters who slaughtered the Muslim people was the most reasonable action.” He also made a sad appeal to France, where this year April 24 was declared the day of remembrance of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.


Denial of the Armenian Genocide and distortion of facts have been at the core of Turkey’s denial policy for decades. Many, like the Dutch government, have supposedly seen positive developments in the vague declarations of “sympathy towards Armenians” coming from Turkey over the past few years, but the latest statements show not only that the policy of denial has not changed, but that Erdogan is sowing hatred at the expense of innocent victims. This is dangerous and unacceptable. Basically, they should finally see the black pages of their own history.



Netherlands

The Armenian community in the Netherlands is trying to peacefully and decently respect and commemorate the memory of the victims of the genocide. Therefore, Armenian organizations take into account the presence of the Turkish community in this country and, if possible, engage in dialogue with conscious Turks and Kurds. Thus, on April 24 of this year, during the commemoration ceremony organized in the city of Asen, it became possible to lay a joint wreath of Armenian, Turkish and Kurdish youth on the Great Genocide monument.


During the resumption of diplomatic relations between Turkey and the Netherlands, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Stef Blok, noted that the relations between the two countries are based on many pillars. Therefore, it is our expectation that the Netherlands will strongly condemn the above-mentioned shameful denial statement of Erdogan and address this issue to Turkey.


The Federation of Dutch Armenian Organizations (FAON) notes that in 2004 The Dutch Parliament instructed the government to put the recognition of the Armenian Genocide on the agenda during every negotiation with Turkey. Also, regardless of that, the reverse reaction of the Netherlands is needed at this time. In subsequent statements, the Dutch Parliament has openly recognized the Armenian Genocide, such as in 2018. in February, the Parliament reaffirmed its position with the almost unanimous adoption of the resolution of MP Voordewind. Despite the government’s misconception that the government cannot use the term “genocide” from a legal point of view, which was strongly criticized by the Federation of Dutch Armenian Organizations (FAON), now the government, which considers itself a defender of international law, cannot remain silent. Silence equals consent.

4,000 Attend USC Innovate Armenia Program

Garo Vardanian 
For Immediate Release
USC INSTITUTE OF ARMENIAN STUDIES
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California, USA
Contact: Syuzanna Petrosyan, Associate Director
[email protected] | 213.821.3943
4,000 Attend USC Innovate Armenia Program
INNOVATE ARMENIA - the festival of ideas and innovation - took place at the 
University of Southern California (USC) on May 18, 2019. Organized by the USC 
Institute of Armenian Studies, the program featured fifty participants, from 
six countries, and nearly 4,000 attendees. This is the fourth time in five 
years that this unique event has been staged by the Institute.
“Innovate Armenia is an inclusive, fun, provocative platform that tackles the 
greatest challenge of any homeland-diaspora relationship: how to better 
understand each other. Following the critical, radical changes in Armenia’s 
politics last year, a discussion of policy remains crucially needed both in 
Armenia and in the Diaspora. This was a part of that discussion. The rest – 
music, beer, coffee, storytelling, chess – that’s all an authentic but light 
reminder of who we are and who we can be,” said Salpi Ghazarian, director of 
the Institute. 
The day-long festival had multiple intersecting parts.
In the morning, scholars inside the USC Bovard Auditorium delved into topics of 
identity and memory. George Aghjayan’s Genealogy as Identity, Heghnar 
Watenpaugh’s The Tangible Past, Mehmet Fatih Uslu’s Identity: It’s Complicated, 
Matthew Karanian’s Landscapes of Memory, and Avedis Hadjian’s How to Forget all 
explored identity as a changing and shifting force, and memory in regards to 
cultural heritage, genocide, and land. 
At noon, Element Band, in collaboration with the Institute, presented a 
different type of musical performance, entitled “SOUND STORIES: The Songs You 
Know, with the Stories You Don’t Know.” 
Following the musical production, government officials from Armenia, 
policymakers, and scholars from around the world tackled the most urgent issues 
facing the Armenian nation. 
Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed the standing-room only 
audience by Skype. 
Secretary of Armenia’s Security Council Armen Grigoryan, Deputy Foreign 
Minister of Karabakh Armine Aleksanyan, Former Prime Minister Vache Gabrielyan, 
Deputy Minister of Nature Protection Irina Ghaplanyan, Deputy Minister of 
Education Arevik Anapiosyan, Minister of Healthcare Arsen Torosyan spoke about 
security, policy, statehood, the environment, and the economy. 
Zaré Baghdasarian, Chairman and CEO of Avata Intelligence, spoke as part of a 
panel on Armenia’s IT policy choices. Having also participated at Innovate 
Armenia in 2015, Baghdasarian commented on the diversity of the event as well 
as how it had grown in popularity over the past four years. “I see people that 
I know from different corners that are showing interest, they are coming to see 
what is happening. The crowd has definitely grown, it is much bigger, has more 
diversity, which is what you need to be able to pay attention to innovation and 
growth in Armenia.”
With a diverse array of topics ranging from education to healthcare to 
questions concerning the diaspora, Bovard auditorium was abound in intellectual 
spark that extended into the many organizations represented outdoors. This 
year’s participating exhibitors included the Armenian Tree Project, Caucasus 
Research and Resource Center (CRRC), CivilNet.am, The HALO Trust, The Hrant 
Dink Foundation, The IMAGINE Center for Conflict Transformation, and VLUME.
Innovate Armenia attendees had the chance to speak to representatives of these 
organizations, learn about their work, ask questions, and foster potential 
relationships. One of these exhibitors, Haig Norian from VLUME, a technology 
company that seeks to inspire generations through reading and storytelling, 
reflected on the event. “It’s a fantastic event that brings all these new ideas 
together. A major problem in the Armenian community is that ideas tend to 
stagnate, but events like this give us the ability to rejuvenate ourselves and 
to come together. To bounce ideas off of each other and to keep things fresh.” 
Another exhibitor that made its way from Armenia was CivilNet.am, an online 
platform featuring news-based, research-based, and data-driven video reports 
and articles, led by young citizen journalists practicing advocacy journalism. 
The CivilNet team not only presented their work but also documented the program 
on location and via a LIVE broadcast of the auditorium talks with simultaneous 
Armenian translation. 
Chess games featuring local Armenian chess masters, craft beer from Armenia and 
Los Angeles, coffee tastings from Kavat and Henry’s House of Coffee, were all 
part of the outdoor programming. Journalist Liana Aghajanian held podcast 
recording sessions entitled Dialects of Coffee, where attendees were asked to 
share their noteworthy memories related to the drink.  
A full day of music was provided by three groups. Garabala, whose members play 
a combination of folk, jazz, and tzigane music, came from Beirut. The Nur Qanon 
Ensemble consisting of three young girls and their instructor, presented what 
can be done with a diatonic stringed zither known as “qanon,” a traditional 
instrument dating back to the 10th century. The great oudist and master 
musician Richard Hagopian and his Family Quartet rounded out the eclectic stage.
Innovate Armenia is part of the Institute’s larger mission to bring academics 
and their work to policymakers and the community at large. The enthusiastic 
response from the university and the Southern California community is a 
testament to the Institute’s mission. This September, the USC Institute of 
Armenian Studies will celebrate its 15th anniversary, marking years of impact 
and growth, but looking forward to establish a solid foundation for the next 15 
years. The 15th anniversary gala will take place in Los Angeles on September 
29.     
About the Institute
Established in 2005, the USC Institute of Armenian Studies supports 
multidisciplinary scholarship to re-define, explore and study the complex 
issues that make up the contemporary Armenian experience—from post-genocide to 
the developing Republic of Armenia to the evolving diaspora. The institute 
encourages research, publications and public service, and promotes links among 
the global academic and Armenian communities.
For inquiries, write to [email protected] or call 213.821.3943.

Sports: EU is a crucial partner for Armenia’s reform agenda, says annual report

Toneyan Mark
New Europe
EU is a crucial partner for Armenia’s reform agenda, says annual report

By ep|neonline

The EU has issued a report on developments in Armenia and EU-Armenia relations between June 2018 and early May 2019, which finds that Armenia has increased its efforts to reinforce its partnership with the EU, and acknowledged the significant role of EU in the reform implementation of the country that however, remains at an early stage.

 After the political changes in Armenia last year, early parliamentary elections were held in December 2018. The EU was the largest single contributor to the elections, providing technical equipment and supporting actions in favor of democracy and civic participation.

 The EU is the biggest provider of financial support and a key reform partner in Armenia. The government’s road map for the implementation of the EU-Armenia Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement will be an important instrument in advancing reform plans.

Sports: Shock as Arsenal star ruled out of European final over safety fears

Emil Lazarian
Daily Nation, Kenya
Shock as Arsenal star ruled out of European final over safety fears
  • Mkhitaryan’s well-being was a concern for Arsenal due to the dispute between Armenia and final hosts Azerbaijan.
  • The Premier League club have now decided against Mkhitaryan travelling with the rest of Unai Emery’s squad for next Wednesday’s game.

LONDON

Arsenal’s Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku amid fears over his safety.

Mkhitaryan’s well-being was a concern for Arsenal due to the tense political dispute between Armenia and final hosts Azerbaijan.

The Premier League club have decided against Mkhitaryan travelling with the rest of Unai Emery’s squad for next Wednesday’s game.

“We are very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our Uefa Europa League final against Chelsea,” an Arsenal statement announced on Tuesday.

“We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party.”

Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the UK, Tahir Taghizadeh, had insisted Mkhitaryan would be free from any threat of violence, but it was reported the star didn’t believe he would be safe on the pitch.

“Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the UEL Final against Chelsea,” Mkhitaryan tweeted.

“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often for us players and I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it. I will be cheering my teammates on! Let’s bring it home.”

Uefa, European football’s governing body, insisted they had done all they could to ensure Mkhitaryan’s safety in Baku.

“Working alongside Arsenal FC, Uefa sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country,” a Uefa statement read.

“As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club.

“While the club acknowledges the efforts that Uefa and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.”

Mkhitaryan had featured in 11 games during the Europa League campaign and his absence will be a big blow as Arsenal look for the victory they need to qualify for next season’s Champions League.



Sports: Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final over safety fears

Chakrian Hovsep
ENCA

Sports: Arsenal’s Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final due to Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

Emil Lazarian
Sport Star, India
Arsenal’s Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final due to Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict

AFP
16:59 IST

 

Arsenal’s Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will miss the Europa League final against Chelsea in Baku amid fears over his safety.

Mkhitaryan’s well-being was a concern for Arsenal due to the dispute between Armenia and final host Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region.

The Premier League club has now decided against Mkhitaryan travelling with the rest of Unai Emery’s squad for next Wednesday’s game.

“We are very disappointed to announce that Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not be travelling with the squad for our UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea,” an Arsenal statement announced on Tuesday.

READ: Arsenal slams UEFA’s ‘unacceptable’ Europa League final organisation

“We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party.


 

“We have written to UEFA expressing our deep concerns about this situation. Micki has been a key player in our run to the final so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.

READ: UEFA defends ticket allocation for Europa League final

“We’re also very sad that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career.

“Micki will continue to be part of our preparations until we depart for Baku at the weekend.”

Sports: Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final against Chelsea

Nahapetian Zhanna
BBC News
 
 
Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan to miss Europa League final against Chelsea
 
Henrikh Mkhitaryan has played 11 games in the Europa League for Arsenal this season
 
Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play in the Europa League final against Chelsea on 29 May.
 
It is understood the Armenian, 30, feared for his safety on the pitch in Baku, Azerbaijan.
 
“Having considered all current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the Europa League final,” said Mkhitaryan.
 
“It’s the kind of game that doesn’t come along very often and I admit, it hurts a lot to miss it.”
 
As a result of political tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Mkhitaryan has missed club matches played in Azerbaijan in the past.
 
“We have written to Uefa expressing our deep concerns about this situation,” read an Arsenal statement.
 
“We have thoroughly explored all the options for Micki to be part of the squad but after discussing this with Micki and his family we have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party.
 
“Micki has been a key player in our run to the final so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.
 
“We’re also very sad that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career.”
 
Uefa responded to Arsenal with a statement that said: “Working alongside Arsenal FC, Uefa sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country.
 
“As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club.
 
“While the club acknowledges the efforts that Uefa and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.”
 
The Azerbaijan FA said they were “disappointed” that Mkhitaryan would not be travelling
 
In a statement, the AFFA said: “We very much regret this unwarranted decision taken. Whilst we recognise the right to make a personal decision not to travel, we would like to reiterate that as the host country Azerbaijan has provided all the necessary guarantees required by Uefa to ensure the personal safety of Mr Mkhitaryan.
 
“There is no reason whatsoever to put in question the seriousness of these guarantees provided by Azerbaijan.”
 
Arsenal, who finished fifth in the Premier League, will qualify for next season’s Champions League if they beat Chelsea.
 
It would be their first European trophy since they won the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994.
 
Arsenal manager Unai Emery said: “He wants to play with the team, but he spoke with his family and decided not to go.
 
“It’s a very, very personal decision and we need to respect him. I don’t understand the political problems but I must respect his decision.”
 
Henrikh Mkhitaryan is captain of Armenia and their record scorer with 27 goals in 82 games
 
On Monday, Azerbaijan’s ambassador to the UK, Tahir Taghizadeh, said there was no cause for concern.
 
“I would say [to Mkhitaryan] ‘you are a professional athlete, you are a footballer, and a class A footballer’, so let’s make sure this is a class A event if our purpose is to make a great final,” Taghizadeh told Sky Sports.
 
“If our purpose is to play political games around it, that is something different, but I hope it is not, because you are being paid as a footballer, not as a politician, so let’s leave other issues aside.”
 
There are no diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan because of a longstanding conflict over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan usually does not allow foreign nationals of Armenian descent to enter the country.
 
While playing for Borussia Dortmund in 2015, Mkhitaryan did not travel for a Europa League tie against Azerbaijan Premier League side Gabala because of security concerns.
 
He also missed Arsenal’s 3-0 Europa League win at FK Qarabag in October, with manager Unai Emery saying “he cannot travel here” despite Uefa offering their support over a visa application.
 
Armenian media reported that Anna Naghdalyan, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, said Azerbaijan had an “opportunity to show how real it is to prepare the people for peace”.
 
“Manifestations of racism and xenophobia in sport should not take place,” added Naghdalyan.
 
“In this regard, the refusal of Azerbaijan to provide such guarantees and a ban on the entry of alleged fans of Armenian origin is nothing but a new manifestation of racism, and this calls into question the holding of similar international events in Azerbaijan.”
 

Sports: Arsenal Leaves Mkhitaryan Out of Europa League Final Over Azerbaijan-Armenia Tension

Alex Nanijanian
Sports Illustrated
 
 
 
 
Arsenal Leaves Mkhitaryan Out of Europa League Final Over Azerbaijan-Armenia Tension
 
By ASSOCIATED PRESS
 
LONDON (AP) – Henrikh Mkhitaryan will not play for Arsenal in the Europa League final against Chelsea next week because of concerns about political tension between his native Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is hosting the game.
 
Arsenal said on Tuesday it reached the decision following discussions with the midfielder and his family and after ”thoroughly” exploring all the options available.
 
”We have collectively agreed he will not be in our travelling party,” Arsenal said in a statement, adding that it has ”written to UEFA expressing our deep concerns about this situation.”
 
Mkhitaryan said on Instagram it had been a ”tough decision” to pull out of the game, adding: ”I must admit, it hurts me a lot to miss it.”
 
He has missed previous group games in Azerbaijan for both Arsenal and former club Borussia Dortmund.
 
”Micki has been a key player in our run to the final,” Arsenal said, ”so this is a big loss for us from a team perspective.”
 
Having considered all the current options, we had to take the tough decision for me not to travel with the squad to the #UEL Final against #Chelsea […]
 
 
The Azerbaijan government previously said it would allow Mkhitaryan to play in the final in Baku on May 29. UEFA had also said it would ensure Mkhitaryan’s safety.
 
”Working alongside Arsenal FC, UEFA sought and received assurances regarding the player’s safety in Azerbaijan from the highest authorities in the country,” European soccer’s governing body said in an emailed statement.
 
”As a result of these guarantees, a comprehensive security plan was developed and given to the club. While the club acknowledges the efforts that UEFA and the Azeri government have gone to in this matter, we respect the personal decision not to travel with the player.”
 
Nagorno-Karabakh is a region of Azerbaijan which has been under the control of ethnic Armenian forces backed by Armenia since a war there ended in 1994. Some neighboring districts are also under the control of those ethnic Armenian forces. International efforts to settle the conflict have stalled.
 
”We at all times put the sport as something very separate from these political issues and of course the same issue is again with Mkhitaryan,” Azerbaijan Sports Minister Azad Rahimov said last week.
 
Tensions between Azerbaijan and Armenia have spilled into European soccer tournaments since the neighbouring nations were drawn together in a qualifying group for the 2008 European Championship.
 
Both games were eventually cancelled, after Azerbaijan refused to host Armenia and no agreement could be reached on neutral venues.
 
UEFA has since separated the countries in its competition draws ensuring that their national and club teams do not play each other.
 
Arsenal will be playing its first European final in 13 years and looking to win its first continental trophy since the 1994 European Cup Winners’ Cup. The game has even greater importance because Arsenal needs to win to secure qualification to the Champions League after missing out on a top-four finish in the Premier League.
 
”We’re also very sad,” Arsenal said, ”that a player will miss out on a major European final in circumstances such as this, as it is something that comes along very rarely in a footballer’s career.”
 
Arsenal also has been critical of the choice of Baku as host of the final after receiving only 6,000 tickets by UEFA and because of the ”extreme” problems fans face to get to the match.
 
There are relatively few flights to Baku from Western Europe, though more are being operated for the final, and prices are far above usual levels.
 
Arsenal’s then-chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, was on the UEFA executive committee when Baku was chosen as Europa League host in September 2017. Mkhitaryan was then with Manchester United, playing in the Champions League, and joined Arsenal the following January.
 
Baku won the Europa League final hosting rights in a bidding contest that originally included Seville, Spain, and Istanbul. Seville was excluded because Madrid was awarded the Champions League final, which will be played on June 1.
 
UEFA evaluated each bidder, though a subsequent report did not mention the Armenia issue in a section analyzing security issues for Baku.