LEVON VARDANYAN: AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIAN WRESTLERS ARE PLEASED TO MEET

Azeri Press Agency, Azerbaijan
Sept 28 2007

"The reception of the team of Armenian in Baku airport was organized
well. We left the airport on busses. 20 security officers guarded
the team everywhere. The wrestlers of Armenian nationality of other
teams were also guarded. The visit of the Armenia team to Baku is
the first step towards strengthening relations between Azerbaijan and
Armenia in the last 20 years. We should try for this as Azerbaijan is
our neighbour", Armenian Wrestling Federation secretary-general Levon
Vardanyan was quoted as saying. He said the referees took biased view
of the Armenian team in Baku. "We faced such unpleasant things during
the championship. But I do not think the nationality played any role
in Baku. Referee is also a human being and is tired. If athlete is
stronger than his opponent no one can prevent him from defeating
his opponent".

Levon Vardanyan said they had unpleasant experience in Baku. "There
were no inci8dnets between Azerbaijan and Armenian wrestlers. They
both were geld to meet. We know each other well, meeting during
international tournaments many times. Sportsmen should stay outside
of politics. The problem was with the wheels of the bus on the way
to the tournament site. But everything finished well.