Vladimir Karmirshalyan Armenian diplomat Date of Birth: 02.03.1952 Country: Armenia

1. Early Life and Education
2. Diplomatic Career in the Soviet Era
3. Diplomatic Career in Independent Armenia
4. Ambassadorial Appointments
5. Current Position and Honors
6. Personal Life
7. Publications

Early Life and Education

Arshak Poladyan received his secondary education at the M. Gorky Russian High School in Echmiadzin (1959-1969). He then pursued a Bachelor's degree in International Journalism from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) (1970-1974). Subsequently, he completed a Diploma in International Journalism at the Lomonosov Moscow State University (MGU) (1974-1976).

Diplomatic Career in the Soviet Era

Poladyan's diplomatic career began with the Soviet Ministry of Foreign Affairs. From 1977 to 1978, he held the position of Second Secretary in the Department of Political Information of the Armenian SSR Foreign Ministry. Subsequently, he served as an Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Armenian SSR (1978-1985).

In 1985, Poladyan was appointed Vice-Consul at the Soviet Consulate General in Vietnam, later becoming Consul (1985-1989). Following his return to the Soviet Union, he graduated with honors from the Diplomatic Academy of the USSR Foreign Ministry in 1991.

Diplomatic Career in Independent Armenia

After Armenia gained independence, Poladyan held various senior positions within the Armenian Foreign Ministry. He served as Director of the First Main Department (1991-1992), Director of the Latin America Department (1992-1994), and Director of the Department of International Organizations (1994-1995).

In 1995, Poladyan became the Executive Director of the National Center for Democracy and Human Rights, later becoming its General Director (1995-1998). He then served as the Foreign Minister's Advisor on Human Rights (1998-2000) and as a member of the Human Rights Commission under the President of Armenia.

Ambassadorial Appointments

Poladyan's diplomatic career culminated with his appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Armenia to Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Finland (2000-2006). He subsequently held the same position in Argentina, Uruguay, and Chile (2006-2012).

Current Position and Honors

Since 2013, Poladyan has served as Director of the Consular Department of the Armenian Foreign Ministry. He holds the diplomatic rank of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. He is fluent in Armenian, Russian, Spanish, and English.

Poladyan's contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Commemorative Medal for the 10th Anniversary of the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the Fridtjof Nansen Medal, the Commendation of the Prime Minister of Armenia, and the Grand Cross of the Order of San Martin Libertador (Argentina).

Personal Life

Poladyan is married to Anait Sharbatian and has two children and five grandchildren.

Publications

Poladyan has authored over 55 scholarly articles on Armenian political and diplomatic history, international relations, and human rights issues. His notable works include his thesis, "The Role of the Armenian Community of Argentina in the Country's Political and Socioeconomic Life" (1991).