I Am Requesting You to Find a Chance to Reconsider Your Decision: Manukyan to Aronian

Vazgen Manukyan has addressed prominent Armenian chess player Levon Aronian:

“Dear Levon, I read your recent announcement about the decision to leave Armenia and continue your sports career in the USA with sadness. Armenia has always been proud of you; you have been our pride and an inspiration for thousands of teenagers and young people. Thanks to you, Armenian chess has reached new heights and has brought numerous victories to our country.

You are right; this government has indeed succeeded in dividing the united family of chess and turning the field into chaos, just as it has turned every sector and the whole country into chaos. But believe me, our people will no longer allow the victories created by our talented children to be destroyed. This government will soon depart, and together, we will eliminate chaos sector by sector, restore dignity and victories; chess in Armenia will again be under the highest state care, as it is one of our calling cards in the world.

I am asking you to find an opportunity to reconsider your decision. I am also ready to meet with you and other prominent representatives of the chess world to discuss not only the chess sector but also your invaluable contribution to the future development of our country.”