Figure skater Pierre Balian wants to represent ArmeniaFebruary 6, 2009 - 16:24 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Pierre Balian, an ethnic Armenian, who is among U.S. top figure skaters, announced intention to represent Armenia at international championships. "Balian has already requested the Armenian government for an Armenian passport. We are awaiting the governmental decision," Samvel Khachatryan, the President of the Armenian Figure Skating Federation said. Balian was trained by renowned Irina Rodnina and Alexey Mishin. "If everything goes well, Pierre will represent Armenia at the World Championship in Los Angeles on March 23-29. Otherwise, another Armenian figure skater Gegham Vardanyan will depart for the United States," Khachatryan said. Balian is 25 already. Figure skaters usually finish career at 25-27. Top stories Armenian gymnast, Olympic bronze medalist Artur Davtyan has reached the finals of the World Cup. Gor Manvelyan has denied reports alleging that he has expressed a desire to one day play for the French national team. Roma midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not considering FC Spartak Moscow as his next haven, according to fresh reports. 10 Armenian lifters will compete in the 2021 World Championships scheduled to be held from 7 to 17 December in Tashkent. Partner news | Blinken urges Azerbaijan to continue negotiations with Armenia Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has urged Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to continue negotiations with Armenia. Pashinyan, Blinken talk Armenia-U.S. ties over the phone Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on April 28, Pashinyan’s office reports. Titus, Bilirakis lead legislation to sanction Azerbaijani war criminals Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) have introduced the bipartisan legislation. Azerbaijan must respect human rights, Scholz tells Aliyev German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for greater respect for human rights in Azerbaijan. |