The Armenian government’s representative at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Yeghishe Kirakosyan, is stepping down from his position at his own request. No matter how much Civil Contract members insist that this decision has nothing to do with the ongoing “peace process” with Azerbaijan, it is evident that such “coincidences” are hardly accidental.
I agree that Kirakosyan’s departure is not a political issue in the traditional sense—he is not a political figure and has not engaged in political maneuvers. However, the real reason is clear: the government no longer requires his services because it intends to abandon legal actions against Azerbaijan.
Of course, representing Armenia in cases against Azerbaijan is not the only responsibility of Kirakosyan’s office. But if an Armenian citizen wins a case against the government at the ECHR, the authorities do not seem particularly concerned—after all, any potential compensation will not come out of their own pockets. In contrast, when it comes to lawsuits against Azerbaijan, the stakes are different: there is the risk of upsetting Aliyev.
Agreeing that Azerbaijan committed no crimes against Armenians in 2016 and 2020, in exchange for a vague promise that Azerbaijan will not demand billions in “compensation” from us—this is now considered a “great achievement of skillful diplomacy.” Ironically, today’s inexperienced officials criticize former Foreign Minister Vartan Oskanyan, which I find at least strange. Oskanyan, of course, made mistakes during his tenure, but the failure we are witnessing today is unparalleled.
Kirakosyan is not the only one. This government has no use for specialists at all. What it needs are demagogues—those who deliver fiery speeches, flatter their “boss,” and mask incompetence with rhetoric.
Serving in the state system is not dishonorable—so long as one serves the state, not Pashinyan; refrains from engaging in political propaganda; and does not simply carry out the administration’s directives. Yeghishe Kirakosyan was precisely such a professional.
Read also
Aram Abrahamyan
