13:55  ,  December 20, 2014

Aronian: We must endeavor to achieve triumph over knife with peace

By Lusine Shahbazyan

YEREVAN. – Each and every Armenian athlete should contemplate, decide on, and profoundly analyze participation in the European Games to be held in Baku.

Grandmaster (GM) Levon Aronian—who is currently fifth in the World Chess Federation (FIDE) rankings and who plays first board for the three-time World Chess Olympiad champions and the former World Team Chess champions, Armenia—told the aforementioned to reporters.

He stated this in connection with whether Armenia will take part in the abovementioned games, which the Azerbaijani capital city will host next year.

“This is a very complex and sensitive issue. I, myself, intend to participate; but this is a matter that needs lengthy, in-depth thinking.

“In the past, I was always against participating in any tournament in Azerbaijan. But I’ve changed my mind over time. Now, I can’t definitely say that I will take part, play [in these games], but I’ve changed my mind, and I won’t say I will not participate.

“Maybe this is some kind of a Christian power; [that] we must endeavor to achieve triumph over the knife with peace. This is my approach.

“Armenia has not yet given a final answer [on whether to take part in these games]. It’s a very difficult matter.

Every athlete must decide for himself. I’ve contemplated a lot on whether or not I’ll ever participate, but I still don’t have an answer,” Levon Aronian specifically noted.

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