FIDE issues statement on situation in Armenia

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has issued a statement regarding the arrest of GM Smbat Lputian, Vice President of the Armenian Chess Federation.

"FIDE confirms that it is aware of the situation in Armenia and of the preliminary charges brought against GM Smbat Lputian, First Deputy Chairman of the Chess Federation of Armenia.

Grandmaster Lputian is a person who has made a significant contribution to the development of chess, both over the chessboard and through his many years of work in the Chess Federation of Armenia, and we hope for a speedy resolution of the situation within the framework of the law, with full respect for the rights of all persons involved.

Separately, we would like to note that the activities of the «Chess» Scientific Research Institute have long been important for the development of chess science and FIDE's educational programs. This is particularly important given that the "Chess in Schools" program is one of FIDE's priority areas of activity in the current year."