Candidate Needed: Foreign Minister's Issue Stuck in Deadlock

On May 27, Ara Aivazyan resigned, and on May 31, he was officially dismissed by a decree from the President of Armenia. As of today, Armenia has no Foreign Minister. Former ministers Ara Aivazyan and Zohrab Mnatsakanyan are strolling around the city, enjoying their freedom, while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in a state of disarray.

The day before, ambassadors accredited in Azerbaijan visited Shushi, and there is no one in the Ministry to make statements, issue notes, or provide commentary.

The search for a Foreign Minister continues, and according to our sources, Prime Minister Pashinyan has found himself in a deadlock, unable to find a candidate. Various names are being mentioned, including Ruben Rubinyan, Ararat Mirzoyan, Mher Grigoryan, and even Davit Tonoyan. The appointment of the latter would likely be welcomed by both Russia and the U.S.; however, it would not be well received by the Armenian public, as bringing in someone perceived as responsible for the defeat in the war would be seen as a signal of future losses in the foreign sector as well.

Ararat Mirzoyan has turned down the position. Mher Grigoryan feels comfortable in his current role as a 'non-political' deputy prime minister and is reluctant to take on political responsibility at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When asked about this, he responded, 'I cannot comment; I do not consider it appropriate to do so. Please refrain from expecting any comments from me regarding this until the government is formed.'

The search is on for a candidate who will be 'acceptable to all parties and all nations,' the newspaper writes. Read the full article in today's edition.