Gagik Tsarukyan Entrusts European Official with Resolving Domestic Conflict

Armenia Judo Federation President Aleksan Avetisyan today resigned from his position, subsequently being appointed as National Olympic Committee of Armenia (ARMNOC) Vice-President by ARMNOC President Gagik Tsarukyan.

At a special meeting of the Armenia Judo Federation today, Tsarukyan noted that the denouement of the situation at the Armenia Judo Federation is entrusted to the care of International Judo Federation President Marius Vizer, who came to Yerevan yesterday and was present during today’s meeting.

Speaking to meeting participants, Vizer said that through TV, then by video, he became acquainted with their claims against Avestisyan. Further, he said that only justice can determine the verity of their complaints

“Only justice can evaluate if your claims are real or not,” he said.

Avetisyan, in his remarks, noted that before Tsarukyan and Vizer make their decision, he will resign from his position. 

Then, Tsarukyan announced that Avetisyan will take up his new position as vice-president of ARMNOC. According to the ARMNOC President, that occurred because of Vizer’s work.

The National Olympic Committee of Armenia president then asked meeting participants to express their thanks by applauding Marius Vizer for his work, for coming to Yerevan and settling the issue.

Note that yesterday, the same broadcast was aired on Kentron (“Center”) TV, which noted that Avetisyan, in his position as Armenia Judo Federation president, had allowed multiple violations. The broadcast depicted an Armenia Judo Federation meeting days ago, in which Avetisyan was being accused of unlawful activities and embezzling funds.

Previously, Avetisyan, in an interview to the local press, had spoken of “Gagik Tsarukyan’s unlawful activities.” Avetisyan had said that Vizer was aware of this issue and had expressed his discontent.