Are India and Armenia Moving Toward a Strategic Partnership?

Hambik Zargarian
The National Interest
Dec 26 2023

India’s robust relationship with Armenia may be put on hold by the shift in the Caucasus’ balance of power.

by Abhinav Pandya Follow @abhinavpandya on Twitter

When it comes to Indian geopolitical maneuvers, the global strategic community feels that India punches much below its weight, mostly confined to South Asia. Until recently, India’s strategic calculus was primarily limited to Pakistan, followed by China. Its outreach to the Western world was largely economic and cultural, barring a minor strategic component dwelling upon defense deals. However, after the Chinese incursions in Doklam and Galwan worsened the India-China relationship and the involvement of extra-regional actors like Turkey in the Kashmir conflict, India’s foreign policy vision, approach, and strategic calculus are expanding beyond South Asia. Some of its manifestations include India’s interest in the Indo-Pacific, global strategic connectivity projects like IMEC, an upsurge in India-Greece bilateral ties, and New Delhi’s enthusiastic showmanship during its G20 presidency.

India’s outreach to Armenia, a faraway country in the South Caucasus, is part of this new change. The October 2021 visit of Dr. S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, to Yerevan is historic because it’s the first such visit of the Indian foreign minister to Armenia in the last thirty years. Before this, Prime Minister Modi met his Armenian counterpart, Nikol Pashinyan, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, seeking Yerevan’s support in finalizing a trade arrangement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EaEU). 

In the last three years, India has emerged as a major weapons supplier to Armenia. These big-ticket defense deals include the sale of Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launchers, a $40 million contract of SWATHI weapon-locating radars, ammunition anti-tank missiles, and 155 mm artillery guns. The author’s interlocutors in India’s Ministry of External Affairs informed that Armenia is interested in more defense deals, including drones and counter-drone systems, loitering munitions, and mid-range surface-to-air missiles. In October 2022, Armenia’s defense minister, Suren Papikyan, visited the New Delhi defense expo and met his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. 

In Sept 2022, both countries signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) in culture, digital infrastructure, and renewable energy to promote business ties at the India-Armenia Conference 2022 in Bengaluru. The delegates explored the trade and investment potential in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, information technology, cinema, and tourism. Additionally, one can witness an uptick in think tank-level cooperation between India and Armenia. Most recently, the author represented the Usanas Foundation at the Yerevan Dialogue Series organized by the Armenian Prime Minister’s Office in collaboration with Armenia’s top-level think tank, Applied Policy Research Institute (APRI). APRI will also organize the next dialogue series with the Observer Research Foundation, another Indian think tank, and the Raisina Dialogue organizer in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs. 

All these developments rest on the solid bedrock of robust cultural and historical ties between the two countries that have existed for centuries. The Armenian business community has lived in India for over four centuries. Kolkata is home to centuries-old Armenian churches. The first draft of a constitution for the Armenian nation was drawn up in Chennai. 

Strategic Connectivity and Geopolitics

Until the 2020 war, India more or less had a clear stand, backing Armenia against Azerbaijan’s territorial aggression. Turkey and Pakistan’s support of Azerbaijan made it all the more essential for India to support Armenia. In 2017, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan signed a trilateral ministers’ agreement to boost defense and strategic ties. Notably, Azerbaijan has declared its support for Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, whereas Armenia supports India. Turkey-Pakistan relations extend back to 1947. After India abrogated Kashmir’s special status in 2019, Turkey emerged as a diehard proponent of Pakistan’s position against India. Under Erdogan’s Islamist leadership and Pan-Turkic ambitions, Ankara’s interest and support of Pakistan strengthened, and anti-India diatribes have become vitriolic. More recently, the author’s interlocutors have suggested that Erdogan’s private paramilitary force, SADAT, may be active in sending highly trained mercenaries to Kashmir. 

In addition to counter-balance Turkey and Pakistan, India also looks at Armenia as a nodal point to expand its strategic and economic outreach to the South Caucasus. Delhi’s most critical interests in this region lie in the strategic connectivity projects. India’s interest in the INSTC (International North-South Corridor), of which Armenia is a part, is firmly rooted in its quest for land connectivity to Eurasia, Central Asia, and Europe through the Iranian plateau, otherwise blocked by Pakistan and Afghanistan. With this intent, India aims to extend INSTC to Armenia, connecting Chahbahar port in South East Iran to European and Eurasian markets. India and Iran have two options- railway lines connecting North Western Iran to Russia or the Black Sea through Armenia’s Syunik province or via the Caspian Coast through Azerbaijan. Armenia is a natural choice for India because of Azerbaijan’s proximity to Pakistan and Turkey. Armenia is also keenly interested in INSTC. Yerevan announced an alternate road to Iran in May 2021 to connect Iranian ports to Georgian ports via Armenia. During the Indian foreign minister’s 2021 visit, Armenia also proposed a scheme allowing the transportation of Indian products to Russia and the Black Sea via Armenia. All these initiatives bring the INSTC closer to reality. 

Given the abovementioned developments, it is reasonable to conclude that both countries are moving towards a robust strategic partnership. However, India’s relative silence after the fall of Nagarno-Karabakh in 2023 indicates a moderate decline in New Delhi’s enthusiasm for the relationship and a sense of guarded optimism bordering on skepticism. Perhaps, after Azerbaijan cemented its control over Nagarno-Karabakh, India now feels insecure about its investments and plans for strategic connectivity projects in this region. India may reconsider its abovementioned preference for the Syunik transit route because of the Zanzegur region that falls within it. Baku has made claims to the Zanzegur corridor as it provides unimpeded access to its exclave of Nakchivan. Given the revisionist intent of Azerbaijan, these threats originating from Baku can not be underestimated. Hence, the prevailing instability and volatile security situation may dampen India’s enthusiasm for a transit route through Syunik.

Nevertheless, India faces a tough choice. India is deeply invested in the Chahbahar project and eyes INSTC as a critical connectivity project to obtain overland routes to Europe. Despite the hindrances from sanctions against Iran and Russia and major differences over the arbitration issues with Iran, India has finalized a ten-year contract with Iran for the use of Chahbahar port. 

India’s West Asia expert and former envoy to many Middle Eastern countries, Ambassador Anil Trigunayat, said in a telephone interview that after the Ukraine war, Russians have become very serious about the rapid execution of INSTC to gain access to Chahbahar through the Indian Ocean, to counter the European sanctions. India does not want to miss this opportunity. He further said that if India shows a lack of interest, China will likely occupy that space as it already has strong ties with Russia. India’s dependence is further accentuated by the declining prospects of the IMEC (India-Middle East Europe Corridor) after the Israel-Hamas war. 

Hence, whether these vulnerabilities will compel India to explore the Azerbaijan route for INSTC against the backdrop of the Turkey-Pakistan-Azerbaijan alliance remains a million-dollar question. 

In addition to the abovementioned factors, the increasing involvement of global powers in the South Caucasus can also impede the transformation of the India-Armenia relationship into a strategic partnership. After Russia’s lukewarm response to the war with Azerbaijan, there is a marked Armenian shift toward the United States, which is making Moscow uncomfortable. In the recent Russia-Ukraine war, India had to face tremendous pressure from the Western powers to abandon Russia. Given its aversion to alliances, New Delhi would avoid getting caught in another cold war front between the United States and Russia. Also, India’s strong ties with Israel, Iran’s arch-enemy, and Iran’s with China, India’s arch-enemy, will make it increasingly challenging for India to continue and further its involvement in Russia-Iran-led INSTC. The worst-case scenario for India will be the passage of INSTC through Azerbaijan. Hence, it can be argued that in the prevailing uncertainty and instability in the South Caucasus, India will prefer to move ahead on a bilateral trajectory with Armenia, with a particular focus on defense deals and economic ties. 

Dr. Abhinav Pandya is a founder and CEO of Usanas Foundation, an India-based geopolitical and security affairs think-tank, and the author of Radicalization in India: An Exploration. His second book, Terror Financing in Kashmir, was released this month. He has a Ph.D. from OP Jindal University and an MPA from Cornell University.

https://nationalinterest.org/feature/are-india-and-armenia-moving-toward-strategic-partnership-208173

LCF Armenian Class Celebrates Holidays Through Music

Vorskanian Yeghisabet
Dec 26 2023
The Armenian after-school program for LCE, PCR, and PCY elementary school students celebrated its first Christmas concert and performance on Dec. 19.
Led by the highly experienced and dedicated teacher Marianna Khachatryan, the students memorized and recited Armenian holiday poems, sang Armenian Christmas songs and played instruments.
The enthusiastic students included PCY first grader Emin DerHartunian, PCY fourth grader Mihran DerHartunian, PCY second grader Vahan Gozumian, LCE first grader Arka Terzian, LCE transitional kindergartner Arpi Terzian, and PCR fourth grader Alec Tsaturyan.
The students were also recognized for their personal achievements and were awarded certificates, highlighting their strengths in their learning. Parents were invited to the classroom to see the performance and experience the progress the students made in their Armenian language skills throughout the school year.
This initiative, which embraces diversity and inclusion in our community, is taught by the Davidian and Mariamian Educational Foundation. It is a reputable organization that has successfully implemented similar programs in 25 schools across Southern California.
The program officially started for the three elementary schools in February 2023 and offers a six-year curriculum that includes Armenian language and cultural components. Open to any elementary school child in the La Cañada school district, the program accommodates students of all proficiency levels. Currently, the class is divided into beginner and intermediate levels. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a graduation ceremony, marking their linguistic and cultural accomplishments.
For those interested in enrolling, classes are currently held on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 5:30 pm at a La Cañada Unified School District office classroom and will begin on Jan. 9. Further details can be found at DMEF.org.

https://outlookvalleysun.outlooknewspapers.com/2023/12/26/lcf-armenian-class-celebrates-holidays-through-music/

Lukashenko on integration prospects: Armenia will definitely be with us

Jalatian Sonya
SB.BY
Belarus – Dec 25 2023

When asked by journalists whether he was offended that Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan arrived to the EEU summit in St. Petersburg, but had not earlier visited the CSTO summit in Minsk, Belarus’ President Aleksandr Lukashenko noted, “What's the difference? St. Petersburg, Minsk… These are different formats.”

The Head of State said that, even during his telephone conversation with Pashinyan before the Minsk summit, he knew that he would go to St. Petersburg, “When I was talking to him, I asked: ‘Will you go to St. Petersburg?’ He replied: ‘Well, this is a different format, an economic one. We feel aggrieved with the military-political one, the CSTO, but this will focus on the economy’. That's why I knew he would come to St. Petersburg. I supported him in that then, and I support him now. What kind of offense could it be?”

“Won't we lose Armenia?” journalists asked.

“Well, if Armenia wants to die economically, then we can lose it. However, I do not think that Armenians are stupid people. They are smart, and I am sure that Armenia will not go anywhere. Didn’t it see how people were dying in Afghanistan, how they were clinging to the chassis? Do you remember that when Americans were going away? They will use Armenia in the same way and go away. This will be the case, it is their [Americans’] politics. Armenians are smart, they understand that this is exactly what will happen. Who will help them there? France is trying to do something. You see what is happening in France; they should better settle everything domestically before interfering with the Caucasus. They cannot resolve all issues at home, and Armenians see this,” the Head of State said.

Aleksandr Lukashenko explained what the key of the politics is, “The events happening publicly are one side, and the other side is what is occurring outside this publicity. The main processes are taking place there. Due to these processes, Armenia will definitely be with us, since the most important direction of their development is here.”

  

How far can Armenia go in getting closer to West: Expert opinion

Hagop Kamalian
MSN
Dec 24 2023
Story by Natalia Direyeva 
Armenia continues its path towards Western integration and expresses the desire to resume the signing of the Association Agreement with the European Union, says to RBC-Ukraine Wojciech Wojtasiewicz, an expert on the South Caucasus at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (Warsaw).

Closer ties with the European Union

Armenia's Prime Minister, Nikol Pashinyan, affirms his commitment to diversifying security relationships. Concrete steps have been taken, including agreements for military supplies from France. In October, Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that Paris would provide a certain quantity of arms, including air defense assets. In November, it was disclosed that the planned transfer of light armored vehicles Bastion to Ukraine would be redirected to Armenia.

Since February 2023, a Civilian Mission of the European Union (EUMA) has been operating in Armenia. This neutral mission, exclusively active on Armenian territory, lacks executive functions. It is designed for a two-year term to contribute to stability in Armenia's border regions and normalize relations with Azerbaijan.

Additionally, an Agreement on Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership is in effect between Brussels and Yerevan. Pashinyan considers it one of the pillars of reforms in Armenia, expressing the ambition to draw closer to the EU and cooperate on police reform, the judicial system, education, and public administration.

The Armenian government aims to return to the signing of the Association Agreement with the EU

As the first step towards strengthening cooperation, on December 11, the EU expanded its mission from 138 to 209 personnel. Foreign Minister of Armenia, Ararat Mirzoyan, made a series of statements affirming a pro-European direction. He welcomed the decision to start negotiations on the EU accession of Ukraine and Moldova, not only on behalf of the government but also on behalf of the Armenian people. According to him, the process of democratization and reform in the country "will not stop for a moment."

Expert Wojciech Wojtasiewicz suggests that the authorities aim to return to the signing of the Association Agreement. The document was ready in 2013, but then-President Serzh Sargsyan received a call from the Kremlin and ultimately declined. Following this, Vladimir Putin initiated the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

Armenia is eager to secure visa-free access to the EU

The Armenian government now seeks a new agreement with the European Union, with the expansion of the observer mission marking the initial move.

"Secondly, they want to obtain a visa-free regime so Armenians can travel to EU countries without Schengen visas. They also want a free trade zone. In principle, this is the most important. Additionally, negotiations are underway with the US and France on constructing a power plant to reduce dependence on Russian resources and gas. But implementing such decisions quickly is difficult; it will take time," Wojtasiewicz explained.

The details of what is happening in the triangle of Armenia – the West – Russia are discussed in the material by RBC-Ukraine.

Expert: To exit CSTO Armenia needs ‘strong security guarantees’ from West

Tambiyan Samvel
MSN
Dec 25 2023
Armenia may decide to withdraw from the CSTO when they receive strong security guarantees from the West. However, this is also linked to Russia's war against Ukraine, says the expert on the South Caucasus at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (Warsaw), Wojciech Wojtasiewicz.

Armenia looks towards the USA

According to Wojtasiewicz, the Armenian authorities have not yet decided how to shape their foreign policy.

"In Yerevan, I often heard that the decision to review relations with Russia is not theirs but Russia's. After Armenians were left face-to-face with Azerbaijan in the Karabakh situation, they wanted to look towards the U.S. and European countries, not participating in the CSTO and CIS meetings. However, they have not explicitly stated an intention to leave these organizations," he noted.

Unofficially, it is said in Yerevan that about a year ago, they talked to American and European politicians about the desire to leave the CSTO. However, the response was that the time had not yet come, and there was a threat of Russia launching a military operation in Armenia.

Armenia has de facto left the CSTO

Similar hints were made in November by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. Specifically, when asked about Armenia's continued membership in the CSTO, he said that they would be guided by national interests.

"Our partners in the CSTO must also understand us. If being CSTO members, we cannot receive the necessary assistance and support, and membership is an insurmountable obstacle to receiving assistance from other parties, then we must make decisions based on our interests," he said.

However, many analysts in Armenia emphasize that de facto the country has already left the CSTO, says Wojtasiewicz.

Under what conditions Armenia will leave the CSTO

"For them, reality is more important than official status. I think the Armenian government will decide to leave the CSTO when they receive strong security guarantees from the West. And the West can provide such guarantees only when Russia suffers a defeat in Ukraine. Before that, both the West and Armenia will be very cautious. Most likely, relations with Russia in 2024 will be the same as this year, within the framework of the so-called 'two steps forward, one step back' policy," the expert notes.

This formulation is valid for Armenia's relations with the West as well. Multivectorality is explained, in part, by the Georgian example. When under Mikheil Saakashvili, the course towards Eurointegration was taken, and in 2008, there was Russian aggression in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.

Currently, Russia plays a significant role in Armenia's foreign policy. Although they do not share common borders, there is a threat that if Yerevan refuses cooperation, Moscow may contribute to the overthrow of the government.

"After the Azerbaijani operation in Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023, anti-government protests took place in Yerevan. There were concerns that if the demonstrations turned into something more significant, Russia would use them to change the government," Wojtasiewicz added.

For more details on what is happening in the Armenia-West-Russia triangle, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/expert-to-exit-csto-armenia-needs-strong-security-guarantees-from-west/ar-AA1m16kh



The president of FIAS is sure that Armenia set a new bar for organisation of competitions

Nahapetian Samvel
Inside the Games
Dec 25 2023

  • By Rafael Khalatyan

    •  

  •  Monday,

The President of the International SAMBO Federation, Vasily Shestakov, summed up the 2023 and talked about the New Year in his speech.

"In 2023, 4 continental championships were held. Perhaps their most important feature was the inclusion of a new discipline in the programme – Women's Combat SAMBO. And within the framework of the Asian and Oceania Championships, the opening championships for the blind and visually impaired were held for the first time," Shestakov said. 

Most importantly, two World Cup events were added to the calendar, as well as a new tournament in Armenia. "A new international SAMBO tournament was held under the auspices of the President of the Olympic Committee of Armenia Gagik Tsarukyan, which was remembered by the athletes not only for its brilliant fights but also for its substantial prize fund. I hope that this tournament will become an annual event." 

Armenia also hosted the 2023 SAMBO World Championships, and Shestakov is confident that it was a great event for all participants. "The World Beach SAMBO Championships took place in the city of Juan Dolio (Dominican Republic), the World Youth and Junior Championships took place in Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic, and the World Championships took place in Yerevan, Armenia.

The main tournament of the FIAS calendar was a great event for all participants and spectators. By organising such a large and colourful event, the Armenian SAMBO Federation has set a new, higher bar for the conduct and organisation of competitions," said the FIAS President.

The inclusion of SAMBO in the programme of the World Combat Games held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on 20-21 October can also be considered as one of the major achievements of the past year. Competitions were held in Sport SAMBO and Combat SAMBO for both men and women, as well as in SAMBO for the blind and visually impaired. 

As for 2024, Shestakov is confident that it will be a busy and truly exciting year for all SAMBO fans. "Next year, all SAMBO fans will be able to see our sport as a demonstration sport in the programme of the XIII African Games, which will be held in Accra, Ghana. Another important event for all of us will be the participation of SAMBO in the Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Thailand. The decision taken this year to return SAMBO to the big stage of the World Games, which will be held in Chengdu, China, in 2025, can also be considered a great achievement," he concluded.

https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1143103/armenia-set-a-new-bar-for-organisation

Pope Francis Calls for Peace Between Armenia and Azerbaijan in Christmas Message

Emil Lazarian
 bnn 
Hong Kong – Dec 25 2023

By: Momen Zellm

In his traditional Christmas Day message, Pope Francis conveyed a profound wish for peace and reconciliation between nations embroiled in strife, with a specific mention of Armenia and Azerbaijan. Addressing a crowd gathered in the iconic St. Peter’s Square, the Pope fervently called for these nations to move towards definitive peace.

Pope Francis’ Christmas message resonated not just within the Vatican’s walls, but across the globe, as he highlighted the need for humanitarian outreach and the safe return of refugees to their homes. Respect for religious traditions and places of worship was a key theme in his address, as he passionately prayed for an end to the wars and violence that have marked various regions of the world.

From Israel and Palestine to the Sahel region, the Horn of Africa, Sudan, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, and the Korean peninsula, the Pope’s prayer encompassed all corners of the globe. He also emphasized the need to address the social and political conflicts in the Americas that are triggering mass migration.

In a world increasingly marred by conflict and strife, Pope Francis’ Christmas message was a clarion call for peace. He condemned the Israeli-Hamas conflict and urged for peace in the region, alongside prayers for stability in Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Sudan, South Sudan, Cameroon, and Congo.

The Pope also underscored the responsibility of political authorities and people of goodwill to resolve social and political conflicts, combat poverty, and address migration movements. In the face of global challenges, he called for a collective commitment to opposing all war, cherishing human life, and speaking up for the voiceless.

As part of his Christmas Day address from the central loggia of Saint Peter’s Basilica, Pope Francis expressed his traditional good wishes for Azerbaijan and Armenia. He prayed for these states to find a definitive peace, a sentiment that was echoed in his references to the war in Israel and Palestine.

Expressing his closeness to Christians in Gaza and the entire Holy Land, the Pope called for the release of hostages from Hamas and prayed for world peace. His address marked the beginning of the preparations for the Jubilee Year 2025, a time when he hopes the world will reject war and embrace peace in earnest.

Azerbaijan Pays Armenia for Airspace Usage: A Study in Geopolitical Dynamics

Anna Tamamian
 bnn 
Hong Kong – Dec 25 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

In an unusual financial arrangement between two nations with a complex history, Azerbaijan has paid €90,000 to Armenia to ensure its flights to and from Nakhchivan, an Azerbaijani exclave, can continue without interruption. This move highlights a functional aspect of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations, despite ongoing political tensions.

Azerbaijani Airlines remitted the amount to Armenia for using its airspace for flights to and from Nakhchivan in 2023. The use of Armenian airspace is crucial for Azerbaijan to maintain air connectivity with Nakhchivan, which is geographically separated from the main territory of Azerbaijan by Armenia. This monetary exchange underlines an aspect of cooperation, even amid a tense geopolitical scenario marked by the conflict over the Nagorno Karabakh region.

Azerbaijani airlines commenced using Armenian airspace for flights to Nakhchivan on October 6, 2021. In 2022, Azerbaijan paid about €112,000 to Armenia for flights on the same route. The Baku-Nakhchivan-Baku route was re-established over Armenia in October 2021, after tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran. Notably, neither Azerbaijan nor Armenia had ever closed their airspace for civil aviation, except during the 44-day War.

The payment for airspace usage represents a single facet of the intricate interplay between aviation, geopolitics, and international conflicts. While Azerbaijan is embroiled in a dispute with Armenia over the Nagorno Karabakh region, the airspace payment indicates a certain level of operational cooperation between the two nations. Such instances illuminate the complex dynamics of international relations, where practical necessities can coexist with political disagreements.

No Scheduled Bilateral Meeting Between Armenian PM and Azerbaijani President at CIS Summit

Elizabeth Jabejian
 bnn 
Hong Kong – Dec 25 2023

By: Momen Zellmi

Press Secretary of the President of Russia, Dmitry Peskov, has revealed to RIA Novosti that there are no current plans for a separate bilateral meeting between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev at the approaching Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) summit. This announcement comes amid longstanding tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region.

While there is no formal scheduled meeting, the sidelines of the summit provide an opportunity for all attending leaders to engage in discussions. The lack of an official dialogue, therefore, does not rule out the possibility of informal interactions between the two leaders. The CIS summit, a platform for leaders of former Soviet republics, is primarily aimed at facilitating conversations around cooperation and matters of mutual interest.

The backdrop to this summit is a series of geopolitical tensions. Armenia and Azerbaijan have been in negotiations to normalize relations and potentially sign a peace agreement, a process in which Russia and the West have been competitive participants. The U.S. and EU’s involvement in these peace negotiations, alongside Azerbaijan’s strained relationship with France and the EU’s support for Armenia’s armed forces, further complicate the situation.

Prime Minister Pashinyan has publicly criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin, implying that the loss of Nagorno Karabakh was due to him and demonstrating a potential inclination towards the West. This has been met with mockery and warnings from the Russian side. Despite these tensions, Pashinyan and President Aliyev signed a declaration acknowledging Yerevan’s recognition of Baku’s sovereignty over Karabakh. The potential shift in Armenia’s allegiances, from friendly Russian-Armenian ties towards the West, has raised concerns and is a subject of keen interest at the upcoming CIS summit.

Armen Melikbekyan Elected as the President of the Football Federation of Armenia

Hambik Zargarian
 bnn 
Hong Kong – Dec 25 2023
By: Salman Khan

In a significant development in Armenian football, Armen Melikbekyan has been elected as the new president of the Football Federation of Armenia. This news comes amidst mixed reactions from the football community in the country.

Melikbekyan, before the decisive vote, addressed the audience with a speech that surprised many. Contrary to the usual practice, the newly elected president declared that his candidacy was not self-nominated. This move highlighted his intentions to serve the sport rather than personal ambitions. His election has sparked a reaction from the leaders of the Armenian league, particularly from the FC Pyunik.

The leader of FC Pyunik expressed disappointment over the election results. The club’s representatives criticized the process, stating that the elections turned into a formal struggle for chairmanship, with the results of their work and public opinion being largely ignored. Despite their dissatisfaction, they affirmed their determination to continue fighting for the purity and prosperity of Armenian football.

Another candidate, Ozibilis, also gave a stirring speech during the election. He brought up his experiences of witnessing different football standards in his career and expressed a burning desire to see those high standards implemented in Armenia too. His emphasis on the need for a strong and responsible Federation for the development and progress of Armenian football resonated with many.

https://bnnbreaking.com/sports/armen-melikbekyan-elected-as-the-president-of-the-football-federation-of-armenia/