Media: Russian circles consider replacing Ara Abrahamyan as head of Union of Armenians

Russian political and business circles are considering replacing the head of the Union of Armenians of Russia, Ara Abrahamyan, according to the Yerevan-based newspaper Hraparak.

Abrahamyan has led the organisation since 2000. In 2003, he was also elected head of the International Union of Armenian Public Organisations, the World Armenian Congress, and has since established several bilateral business councils, including the Russian–Argentine Business Council, where he continues to serve as co-chair on the Russian side.

He is also a co-chair of the Franco–Russian Association.

The report says that although Abrahamyan has been repeatedly re-elected over the years, unnamed Russian sources claim there is now dissatisfaction with his leadership and that possible successors are being considered.

Among those reportedly under discussion is former press secretary to ex-Armenian president Robert Kocharyan and ex-chief of staff Viktor Soghomonyan. Other names mentioned include businessman Kamo Avagumyan, owner of Avalon and a representative of Mercedes in Russia, and filmmaker Karen Shakhnazarov.

The newspaper adds that Avagumyan is primarily focused on business interests, while Shakhnazarov is said to prioritise Russian state interests over Armenian community affairs.

By Aghakazim Guliyev