We are saddened to report that Armenian peace activist, head of the organisation "Peace Dialogue", has passed away. His death is a big loss to Armenia, and to Armenian civil society. Peace Dialogue has been an active member of the EU4Peace coalition for many years and has been prominent in defending the rights of soldiers in the Armenian military.
In a comment to commonspace.eu, Dennis Sammut, Executive Director of LINKS Europe, said
Edgar Khachatryan was a respected independent voice in Armenia and the wider region. He will be missed. His dead leaves an emptiness that will not be easily filled. I and LINKS Europe extend sincere condolences to his family and friends
Writing in a post on facebook, Laurence Broers, an academic who has long engaged with the South Caucasus and peace activists in the region, wrote,
"It was a terrible blow to learn of the passing of my long-term colleague, collaborator and friend Edgar Khachatryan. I’d had the privilege of working closely with Edgar for about 7 years, having met him many years previously and interviewed him for my book in 2015. Edgar was indefatigable in his peace practice, with seemingly limitless energy, patience and determination for activism and advocacy and his was a rare voice that could crisply and compellingly make the case for peace."
Laurence Broers added, "There was real depth as well as energy in his practice, anchored in a sharp analysis and a sincere commitment to methodology and new methods, all softened by his own brand of dark humour and that wonderful, tremendously infectious laugh. For vivacity, charisma and leadership, you just couldn’t keep him down. I had thought that he had overcome his health challenges, so this was a terrible surprise. To his family, his team at Peace Dialogue NGO and all who cherished him I offer my sincere condolences. One who gave so much lives on in those fortunate enough to have known him. Rest in peace, dear Edgar jan."
source: commonspace.eu
