Mikhail Shvidkoy, the Special Envoy of the Russian President for International Cultural Cooperation, appealed to the RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan with a petition to change the measure of restraint of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Armen Smbatyan. Shvidkoy is an outstanding Russian art critic, public, state and cultural figure. Winner of the Russian State Prize.

The text of the letter of the Special Envoy of the Russian President for International Cultural Cooperation ration is presented below.

“Dear Nicol Vovayevich,

As you probably know, on 30 July of this year, the Court of First Instance of Yerevan adopted a decision to arrest composer, Honored Figure of Art of the Armenian SSR, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Professor Armen Bagrat Smbatyan.

This step of the judiciary of Yerevan cannot but cause serious concern, as it is absolutely illegal.

It is well known that Armen Smbatyan and I have long-term friendship and professional relations. Both of us were ministers of culture of our countries, we cooperated while working in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (I am still serving in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). We had close cooperation when Armen Smbatyan represented Armenia in the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS Member States, and then he was the Executive Director of that fund. We were jointly engaged in “building bridges” between cultural figures, scientific and creative intellectuals of Armenia and Azerbaijan (2007, 2009 – ed.).

Especially all this allows me to talk about Armen Smbatyan as a patriot, unconditionally devoted to his homeland. His great contribution to the interstate relations between Armenia and Russia, when he was the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Armenia to Russia, is indisputable. His brilliant organizational qualities and strategic vision abilities gave the humanitarian initiatives of the Interstate Fund for Humanitarian Cooperation of the CIS member states such a scale that they became a memorable event in all the CIS countries.

It is clear that everyone is equal before the law. And especially for that reason, I have no doubt that the judicial process will shed light on all the unexplained aspects of this case, as a result of which Armen Smbatyan will have the opportunity to restore his good name and reputation. At the same time, it would not be an exaggeration to say that considering his public activity in strengthening Armenia’s international reputation, imprisoning Armen Smbatyan before the end of the trial involves serious risks for the country’s reputation from the point of view of international law.

Believe me; I am guided not only by friendly feelings towards Armen Smbatyan. During my long-term work with Armenian colleagues (for the first time I was lucky enough to come to Yerevan about half a century ago), I went deep into the culture of Armenia, I felt the powerful and tragic history of the Armenian people, the ability to overcome the most difficult trials that befell them. I understand that even today, Armenia is experiencing a difficult period of development, which requires public consolidation and the help of friends.

I know that executive and judicial authorities are separated in Armenia. But I am also sure that you, Honorable Nikol Vovayevich, can contribute to the objective investigation of the case exclusively by judicial procedure.

Please consider my application to you as a petition to change Armen Smbatyan’s measure of restraint.

I express my deep gratitude for the attention shown to my appeal.

Mikhail Shvidkoy.”