I deeply regret the passing of my colleague and dear friend, Ambassador Rouben Shougarian, with whom I served shoulder-to-shoulder in Washington DC in the first years of the independence of our countries. 

A devoted patriot, in his Ambassadorial capacity he did his outmost to consolidate image and influence of Armenia in different circles of the US political establishment, including properly channelling the impact of Armenia’s powerful Diaspora for the interests of Armenia. But Rouben also worked hard to contribute to a spirit of regional reconciliation. He was not, as I heard, an easy partner, however, through his steel approach he always tried to find out a rationale. 

Ambassador Shougarian honoured me with his friendship and I was moved when he asked me, a Georgian, to be part of his farewell ceremony, organized by The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) – “Tedo, I want you to say good-bye to me!”.  

He was one of those diplomats that could be succeeded but not replaced.  I remember how we met for the first time – it was a basketball playground near “Irene”, our huge apartment building on the Willard avenue, where almost every diplomat, including Ambassadors, used to live.  So we met to play a pick-up basketball with our diplomats. Naturally, it was not a battle as it used to be between Dynamo Tbilisi vs. Ararat Yerevan but I remember that “clash” as well as an impromptu “beer-party” after the game and Rouben’s words: “Our diplomats should meet and talk with each other frequently!”. And that has become a good habit for our diplomats to talk, to discuss serious matters and some personal problems. And all that turned into a strong bondage and genuine friendship. 

Rouben was a reflective diplomat, with the ability for active listening and foresight, contributing not merely to the consolidation of Armenian independence and sovereignty but also to the creation of a new region in the South Caucasus. He always explored the prospects lying ahead for Armenia, seeking paths that would build interdependence. He had the intellectual capacity and diplomatic demeanour of an excellent conflict manager that is an asset for every country, especially in our part of the world. 

Rouben was an very decent person, indeed a true patriot and he never hesitated to react critically or even revolt emotionally whenever he considered that political processes were not going accordingly in his own country. However, that was not only some emotional reaction but also a matter of principle for Rouben.

He will be missed, for his kindness of heart and brightness of spirit. My thoughts go to his family, who travelled with him or missed him, as he served Armenia and our region. Tamriko, my wife, and Lilit were good friends, always taking care of their “busy husbands” but also always very much supportive, complimenting and delighted with each other. So, our thoughts along with our prayers go to Lilit, Narek, Tigran and Haik. Rouben loved them in abundance and was as loyal to his family as he was to his country. 

There never a good time to lose such people, but somehow this seems to be a big loss at this point in time. 

Ambassador Tedo Japaridze is the former Foreign Minister and Chair of National Security Council of Georgia. In 1994-2002 he served as Georgian Ambassador to the U.S. Now he is the Vice-Chairman for International Relations at Anaklia Development Consortium.

These views are his own.