Armenia's Government Decides to Make Political Appointment for US Ambassador Position: Alen Simonyan

The Armenian government has decided to make a political appointment for the position of US Ambassador. According to Armenpress, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan stated this during a conversation with journalists in the parliament, addressing the discussions regarding Lilit Makunts's candidacy for the ambassador position.

Responding to the observation that Makunts lacks diplomatic experience, Simonyan said, "Appointments can be political or diplomatic. At this stage, the government believes it is appropriate to discuss Lilit Makunts's candidacy. I am confident that no matter whose candidacy we would put forward, there would still be something to say, some reason to be brought up."

According to him, a decision has been made to proceed with a political appointment in this case. "Most of the people who are currently discussing Makunts's candidacy do not even know the name of the current ambassador," noted the Deputy Speaker, adding that there has been a small discussion on Makunts's candidacy within their political force.

Simonyan expressed that he prefers Makunts more as the leader of the faction in the National Assembly. "I have worked with Mrs. Makunts during her time as a minister, but I have liked her work in parliament more. Within the context of parliamentary diplomacy, I have seen her work. I have seen her connections," he said.

Simonyan spoke about Makunts's connections with US counterparts. "I have seen that there is an opportunity to have a person who can speak the 'same diplomatic and political language' with our partners," said the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly.