YEREVAN, Nov.27 (ArmenPress) - Armenian sportsmen, invited to participate in various international competitions held in European countries, are facing new problems concerning obtaining entry visas. Several heads of Armenian sporting federations complained that the consuls of several European countries in Yerevan have refused to provide visas to separate sportsmen or delegations which were to take part in competitions.

Despite the fact that there were appropriate invitations, they did not serve as grounds for visa issuing. The official explanation is that some athletes leaving for Europe do not come back to Armenia after the competitions are over. However, some Armenian sports experts say that it would be more correct to deport these sportsmen rather than impose restrictions on entire teams.

Toughening of visa issuing should not cover the sportsmen and coaches, they say, as leaving for abroad and coming back is a routine process for them.

The experts say that the Armenian foreign ministry, as well as sport and culture ministry, must intervene to find a solution to this persistent problem.