Ratification of the Rome Statute Aligns with Armenia's National Interests, Says Khandanyan

I cannot say whether it is possible to ratify the Rome Statute with reservations. Considering the extensive functions of our country’s parliament, it is feasible, but this issue is not currently under discussion. This was stated today, September 7, by the Chairman of the National Assembly’s Foreign Relations Committee, Sarkis Khandanyan, during a conversation with journalists.

In response to the question of whether such reservations should be made, he answered: “In my opinion, ratification of this statute corresponds to Armenia's national interests, and it is very important for a country like ours, which is situated in a complex security environment, to apply this mechanism. I believe there are no reasons for reservations.”

Regarding concerns raised by the Russian side and their request for clarification from Armenia, the Chairman of the Assembly’s Committee stated: “I do not know what specific questions have been posed to Armenia, nor do I know whether there are any responses to them. However, I reiterate that joining such documents is Armenia’s sovereign right, and there is particularly no need for explanations.”

If you read the statute, you will find references to a number of war crimes that have occurred in Armenia over the past two years during Azerbaijan's aggression. Additionally, the statute addresses genocide as a punishable offense, and I believe that Armenia, as a country of genocide victims, is also morally obligated to join this mechanism.