By Anna Ghazaryan
YEREVAN.- Armenian News-NEWS.am continues a series of interviews with foreign diplomats working in Armenia. Our second interlocutor is Ambassador of France to Armenia Henri Reynaud.
Who is your hero in politics? Is there any political figure you would like to ask for advice?
I would not mention a hero but I admire politicians who had the courage to reject the inevitability of the events, to change the course of history, sometimes making decisions against public opinion. I mean Robert Schuman who extended a hand to Germany in 1950 and only five years after a war, which destroyed the continent, the foundation of Europe was laid. I am speaking about Charles de Gaulle, an architect of the Franco-German truce with Konrad Adenauer. Both of them (one was 87 years old and the other - 73) refused to continue the process when the past was destroying the future, and relied on a mission of the Franco-German Youth Office. I am referring to Anwar Sadat, who established peace with Israel. I admire the men and women who have dedicated their lives to the struggle for freedom and democracy, such as Nelson Mandela, or sacrificed their lives, Jean Moulin, Misak Manushian, Munich students Hans and Sophie Scholl.
Do you think a diplomat must set a certain goal coming to a new country?
For Ambassador it is important to set goals. The objectives must materialize through an action plan and get approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The goals are aimed at improving, expanding and enriching the relationship between his and other state, contributing, if necessary, to promotion of the principles of the UN and international organizations. The diplomacy is set to create a better, fairer, more friendly and secure world. In case of Armenia it is implemented with the help of the Eastern Partnership project. However, relations between France and Armenia are marked by significant meaning deeply rooted in long history.
What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a diplomat?
Diplomacy is a profession dealing with all the areas and has many sides. This explains the interest and at the same time difficulty of the profession. Ambassador must be able to respond to challenges quickly understanding the problems of a country he is working in. You must always clearly make difference between important and unimportant, focus on priorities. Besides, he must properly understand the culture of the country. It will make his contacts easy and provide an opportunity to be confident that his steps are perceived in a right way.
What are you missing being out of France?
In fact, the situation is different depending on the country. However, to feel good in your new country, you need at least two things: eagerness to love it and interest to understand it. Armenia is so hospitable and attractive due to its history, culture and dynamics, that I personally do not miss France.
What was your first impression about Armenia?
First of all I was surprised to see some similarities: a southern country, importance given to a family, and the most important – Armenians’ positive attitude to overcoming the challenges. It can be labeled as faith in the future contrary to difficulties. The Armenian people love life because they know its cost.
What would you do if you were not a diplomat?
Being a diplomat, I am quite satisfied with my personal and professional life. If I were not a diplomat, I would prefer university professor career, or I would be a journalist or a lawyer.
