Armenia has recently made a bold move by revoking its signature from a declaration of the Council of Europe (CoE) that approves the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) order for the “arrest” of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This decision has sparked controversy and raised questions about Armenia’s relationship with Russia and its commitment to international justice.
The CoE’s declaration, which was adopted in 2014, supports the ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Putin on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The declaration was signed by all 47 member states of the CoE, including Armenia. However, on October 1st, Armenia announced that it was withdrawing its signature from the declaration, citing “national interests” as the reason for its decision.
This move has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a courageous act of standing up for sovereignty and national interests, while others view it as a betrayal of international justice and a sign of Armenia’s close ties with Russia. However, regardless of one’s opinion, it is important to understand the reasons behind Armenia’s decision.
Armenia and Russia have a long history of close political, economic, and military ties. Russia has been a key ally and supporter of Armenia, especially in the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. In recent years, Armenia has also joined the Eurasian Economic Union, a Russian-led economic bloc, further strengthening their relationship.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Armenia would prioritize its relationship with Russia over its commitment to the CoE’s declaration. By revoking its signature, Armenia is sending a clear message that it will not support any actions that could potentially harm its alliance with Russia. This decision also highlights the complex geopolitical realities in the region, where countries often have to balance their national interests with their international obligations.
Moreover, Armenia’s decision can also be seen as a reflection of the country’s own experience with international justice. In 2016, Armenia was the subject of a case at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) for its actions during the 2008 war with Azerbaijan. The ECHR found Armenia guilty of violating the rights of Azerbaijani civilians and ordered the country to pay compensation. This experience may have influenced Armenia’s decision to withdraw its signature from the CoE’s declaration, as it may fear similar repercussions in the future.
However, some have criticized Armenia’s decision, arguing that it goes against the country’s commitment to international justice and sets a dangerous precedent. The ICC’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for Putin was based on evidence and allegations of serious crimes, and by revoking its signature, Armenia is essentially undermining the authority of the court and the importance of accountability for such crimes.
In response to these criticisms, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry has stated that the country remains committed to international justice and will continue to cooperate with the ICC and other international bodies. The ministry also emphasized that Armenia’s decision to revoke its signature does not mean that it supports or condones any alleged crimes committed by Putin.
In conclusion, Armenia’s decision to revoke its signature from the CoE’s declaration approving the ICC’s order for the “arrest” of Putin has sparked controversy and raised questions about the country’s relationship with Russia and its commitment to international justice. While some see it as a necessary step to protect national interests, others view it as a betrayal of international obligations. Regardless, it is clear that this decision highlights the complex geopolitical realities in the region and the need for countries to balance their national interests with their international commitments.
