French Ambassador Prohibits Consul from Visiting Me to Avoid Disturbance: Nikolyan Continues Hunger Strike

Armenian-French journalist Leo Nikolyan has been on an indefinite hunger strike at the "Zvartnots" airport since April 22, after he was denied entry to Armenia at the passport control point, being told that his entry was forbidden. During this period, both Arab and French media have reported on the incident.

In an interview with Tert.am, the journalist stated that he does not intend to end his hunger strike until he receives a written explanation of why his entry has been banned.

- Mr. Nikolyan, how are you feeling at the moment, and how do the doctors assess your health condition?

- My health has not yet reached a critical state; that may happen in a week. I am experiencing problems related to blood pressure, and while I do have serious issues with my heart and lungs, I have no other option. I will end my hunger strike when they provide solid evidence as to why this political decision was made.

- So, you consider this decision to be political. Why do you think your entry was banned?

- I am convinced that it is related to my visit to Tavush, specifically to Voskepar. I've been visiting Armenia frequently since the 1988 earthquake and have been in Artsakh since the 1990s, where I was injured. These authorities declare Armenia to be a democratic country, but I see no democracy here. Just because my reports haven’t pleased Prime Minister Pashinyan, he prevents my entry into Armenia; I am a journalist who has previously helped him organize actions against former governments abroad.

- So, you have known Nikol Pashinyan for a long time. How did you meet him, and how did you help him?

- I helped him raise awareness against the previous governments in France and the European Parliament. Until 2003, I met him frequently and often went to his editorial office as part of my journalistic work; we had a good relationship with each other.

- Mr. Nikolyan, who has visited you during this time?

- The Human Rights Defender of Armenia sent his staff, but I sent them back after the second visit, stating that either the Defender himself should come or no one at all, as I need to speak with him directly. The same issue exists with the French consul, who urged me to return but was declined. I have information that the French Ambassador, Olivier DUCOTIER, has prohibited the consul from visiting me because they do not want any disturbance. I learned this from the staff members of the French embassy.

- You know that Bishop Bagrat has also called for the hunger strike to end; do you not wish to heed his call?

- I am aware of that call. I met with the Bishop back when I was in Tavush; I got to know him, but I’m sorry, I will continue my hunger strike. Seyran Ohanyan has also raised this issue from the podium of the National Assembly. I know that a movement has started in Armenia under the leadership of Bishop Bagrat, and I believe they are moving in the right direction. Many are calling him various names, claiming he is a KGB agent, and I’ve been told various things in France as well. That’s normal when you cause disruption; people will say something about you. Yes, peace is necessary, but not at any price. A year ago, I was in Kapan, visited Nerkhin Hand, and saw how the authorities surrendered our positions without a single shot. Peace should not come at such a cost.