I Consider Makunts' Appointment a Mistake: International Relations Expert

International relations expert Suren Sargsyan has made a post on his Facebook page titled “Our Ambassadors in the USA,” commenting on the news of ruling party MP Lilit Makunts' appointment as Armenia's ambassador to the USA.

“We should not insult or belittle Makunts. We simply need to properly assess the situation. And the situation is as follows: Our ambassadors in Washington have always been professional diplomats. In this regard, our personnel policy has consistently been outstanding. As they say, 'the highest bar.' Sugaryan, Kirakosyan, Margaryan, Hovhannisyan, and Nersisyan were all skilled diplomats who had a great grasp of the American reality of the time and performed excellently in addressing the challenges before them.

We have also had one political appointment, which is a phenomenon commonly used in international practice. When you appoint a senior heavyweight figure as an ambassador, you emphasize the importance of the relationship and the willingness to deepen it. Considering that Prime Minister Tigran Sargsyan had established quite close relations with Vice President Joe Biden about a year before his appointment, the picture becomes even clearer. The Armenian side's message was well received in Washington. President Obama met with Tigran Sargsyan about two weeks after his arrival, despite protocols usually requiring months.

Nonetheless, it remains unclear to me why Hovhannisyan was recalled shortly after the revolution and Nersisyan was appointed. If the goal was to emphasize the removal of the old guard, the arrival of the new, and the concept of a 'new Armenia,' then Nersisyan’s appointment as ambassador and Hovhannisyan’s as deputy minister is illogical. I should emphasize that I consider both ambassadors to be serious diplomats.

There is another issue. Our last three ambassadors in Washington have served for no more than 2.5 years. While this was understandable in Tigran Sargsyan's case, as he was appointed head of an international organization, the haphazard changes involving Hovhannisyan and Nersisyan may leave a serious impression of instability in the USA. Nersisyan is working very effectively, despite often receiving inadequate directives from Yerevan. As for Makunts, I can't say anything. I have no personal issue, but she is neither an experienced diplomat, nor a heavyweight political figure, nor does she perceive America as needed.

Moreover, the community newspaper 'Armenian Weekly' recently reported that Makunts' visit to the USA aimed at taking a photo with Senator Menendez and public relations, with no urgent agenda behind it. Washington naturally understands this, as does Menendez’s office.

In the context of the stagnated Armenian-American relations, I consider her appointment a mistake, especially since she has no advantage over the current ambassador, Nersisyan. I consider Nersisyan an effective ambassador (his activities are constantly monitored by our center) and believe he has quite good and warm ties with the Democratic administration. That is why I consider that Makunts' journey to Washington could have other goals and agendas.

In my conviction, there is no need to change the ambassador at this stage in the USA. If there is a necessity to change the ambassador, I suggest appointing, for example, Tashchyan or Kazhoyan. Those in the know will understand.

One thing is obvious: the day there is a change of power in Armenia, Makunts will be relieved of her duties on the same day. That day is not far off, and this will again be perceived as an absurdity.

Armenian lobbyists have already responded robustly to this appointment. Without their support, any ambassador is doomed to failure. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is opposed to the appointment. Literally almost everyone is against it. This is the second prerequisite for failure.

Many heavyweights from the community are also sending very negative signals, considering these authorities as traitors. This is the third prerequisite for the inevitability of failure.

The Azerbaijani ambassador is a heavyweight in Washington and has been there for 10 years. He needs a serious counterweight to oppose. And Makunts is not that counterweight, while Nersisyan is a classmate of the Azerbaijani ambassador. He is well-known and can provide balance.

This list could go on.