ARA ABRAHAMIAN HELPING RUSSIAN SAILORS OUT OF NIGERIAN PRISON
By Karine Danielian

AZG Armenian Daily #151, 26/08/2005

Diaspora

Eminent businessman, UN Goodwill Ambassador and chairman of the
World Armenian Congress Ara Abrahamian has undertaken the task of
getting 11 Russian sailors out of prison in Nigeria,
informs expressing hope that “his personal ties and the experience
in cooperating with an African government while releasing Armenian
pilots will help him get the sailors out as well”.

Six Armenian pilots sentenced to 14-24 years in prison were released
from jail in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, in June thanks to the efforts
of Mr. Abrahamian.

According to the online newspaper, Ara Abrahamian took on the task of
releasing the sailors a month ago. He also helped their relatives to
leave for Nigeria. As soon as Russian authorities — Foreign Affairs
Ministry and State Duma — failed in their attempts, Ara Abrahamian
was asked to interfere.

Russia is optimistic to see the sailors free. “We helped to get
the sailors out to better wards, gave money for food and for health
services and hired lawyers”, Ara Abrahamian told daily Azg. He said
also that he is working with President Vladimir Putin’s administration
and looks forward to his personal support. Mr. Abrahamian’s aides
are currently in Nigeria.

Along with 11 Russian sailors, Nigerian authorities have arrested 2
citizens of Rumania and 1 citizen of Georgia. Nigerian authorities
accuse them of smuggling oil valued $2.64 million.