Why Armenia Has Not Yet Filed a Complaint Against Azerbaijan at the ICC: Clarification

The representative of Armenia on international legal issues, Yeghishe Kirakosyan, provided clarification to Sputnik Armenia regarding why Armenia has not yet approached the International Criminal Court (ICC), despite ratifying the Rome Statute on February 1.

The Armenian authorities explained the necessity of joining the ICC by stating that with the new status, they can raise issues before the court concerning Azerbaijan's aggression and war crimes against Armenia and its people, including during the incursions into the territory of Armenia in 2021 and 2022.

The media inquiry was forwarded to the Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Issues, where it was addressed. The office's response stated, “The Armenian government is currently in the phase of implementing necessary measures arising from the ratification of the Rome Statute. A draft law on cooperation between the Republic of Armenia and the International Criminal Court is being developed.”

The existence of such a law, as mentioned in the response, is a necessary prerequisite for ensuring full cooperation with the International Criminal Court, including presenting situations pertaining to the court's jurisdiction.

Already in February, Kirakosyan had stated that Armenia had begun the process of drafting legislation to ensure the uninterrupted application of the Rome Statute's provisions.

By ratifying the Rome Statute, Armenia became a full member of the ICC as of February 1.