We Armenians are fond of being proud of Armenians, who have success worldwide. Our insatiable love to the ones with the last one “…yan” is only showed from distance and is limited only in the lofty speeches of national and patriotic stereotypes… Among the world famous chess players chess master Gary Kasparov is also outstanding because of being engaged in politics as well. In particular, he is one of the few politicians, who dares to openly criticize the government of Russia and has the role of a radical opposition in Russia. And that is perhaps the reason why our government, which brings of famous people of Armenian descent (and not only) from all over the world is so indifferent to Gary Kasparov. But what is the opinion of Kasparov to Armenia? Does he consider himself somehow linked to Armenia? During his exclusive interview to our reporter in Moscow Kasparov told an incident that occurred to him in answer to this question, “I was in Tbilisi about a year ago on the anniversary of Zurab Azmayparashvili… Around the table next to me sat Armenian Smnat Lputyan – the head of the Armenian chess federation. Yes the president of the federation is Serzh Sargsyan but Lputyan is in charge of current issues. And he tells me, “Garik, why are you not coming to Armenia?” I responded, “Smbat, who ever thought of inviting me?” And then he started to do some irregular gestures. Perhaps he felt embarrassed… I continued, “Is the government of Armenia ready to invite me? Will they dare to deteriorate relations with Putin?” For me the response is evident.”
