Representatives of the Armenian Community in the United Kingdom Appeal to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

A group of representatives from the Armenian community in the United Kingdom has initiated, signed, and sent a letter to the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sarkissian, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ara Aivazian.

The letter addresses the urgent necessity of appointing an ambassador from Armenia to the UK.

The letter reads in part:

“Honorable Mr. President, Honorable Mr. Prime Minister, Honorable Mr. Minister,

We write to you on behalf of the Armenian community in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK). Since the passing of the late Arman Kirakosyan, the ambassador of the Republic of Armenia in the UK, in July 2019, there has been no appointment of an RA ambassador in the UK. This is a serious blow to the potential of an already under-resourced embassy and to the representation of our interests in the UK.

This naturally affects the protection of the interests of the RA in the UK, as well as the effectiveness of representing the Armenian community and citizens of the RA.

From the very first day of the criminal war unleashed by Turkey and Azerbaijan on September 27 this year, the Armenian community has attempted to self-organize and provide financial and political support to the Motherland to the best of its abilities. However, we firmly believe that these efforts would be much more effective if we had a well-staffed embassy with adequate capabilities that actively engaged with the political circles and society in the UK.

Now, as the struggle for Artsakh enters a tense diplomatic, legal, and political phase, the presence of a fully functioning embassy staffed with the best diplomatic personnel in the UK has become a matter of urgent necessity that requires swift resolution. This need is further emphasized given Azerbaijan's strong representation and active work in the UK to safeguard their interests regarding the issue of Artsakh.

We must have the appropriate capabilities to counteract those hostile efforts. We do not believe that we can afford political fatalism in diplomacy and withdraw from the hardest and most challenging fronts of struggle. On the contrary, the most difficult front should be the best armed and protected.

The interests and political considerations of the UK do not begin and end with its benefits in the oil and gas industry. The UK is a much more complex political structure, and we are confident that with the right, skillful, and professional work, the interests of Armenia can be adequately represented and protected in the UK, also thanks to a more organized and targeted effort from the local community.

Therefore, we kindly request that you promptly address the matter of appointing an ambassador of Armenia to the UK, selecting one of the most experienced, capable, and representative members of the Armenian diplomatic corps, taking into account both the difficulties and the importance of representing our interests in the UK.

We remain at your disposal, ready to answer any questions or assist you in this matter as best we can. Respectfully,

Representatives of the Armenian Community in the United Kingdom (Signature of 80 community members)

Now, as the struggle for Artsakh enters a tense diplomatic phase, the presence of a fully functioning embassy staffed with the best diplomatic personnel in the UK has become a matter of urgent necessity.