U.S. figure skater Pierre Balian to be granted Armenian citizenshipFebruary 10, 2009 - 23:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - U.S. figure skater, ethnic Armenian Pierre Balian is training for the oncoming World Figure Skating Championship due Mar. 20-25 in LA, Armenian Figure Skating Federation President Samvel Khachatryan told PanARMENIAN.Net The issue of granting Armenian citizenship to Balian is under consideration by the President's office, Samvel Khachatryan said. Balian showed initiative to represent Armenia at international figure skating championships, but his arrival was postponed because of delay in getting an Armenian passport. "Balian's dual citizenship issue is practically settled. We're almost sure he'll be the one to represent Armenia at the oncoming World Figure Skating Championship. Balian stands a good chance for one of the top places. If all goes as planned, the figure skater will arrive in February to settle document-related issues and continue his training in historical motherland," Khachatryan said. "Besides, young figure skaters will get a chance to attend his master classes. This will be another step in the development of figure skating in Armenia. Balian's brother Michael has recently joined the Armenian hockey team, what gingers Pierre's arrival in Armenia", he added. 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 | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |