Karen Andreasian's Appointment is a Conflict of Interest: It’s Not Just About International Claims, Says ‘Hayastani Zhamanak’

On August 30, by the decision of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Karen Andreasian was appointed as the representative of the Republic of Armenia on international legal matters, having been disgracefully dismissed from his position as the president of the Supreme Judicial Council, which holds constitutional independence. This was reported by the 'Hayastani Zhamanak' newspaper.

“Andreasian's appointment to replace Yeghishe Kirakosyan and Liparit Drmeyan is interesting from several perspectives. The issue is not only about withdrawing international claims against Azerbaijan, which Kirakosyan refused to do, whereas Andreasian will, but also that he will be defending himself on behalf of the state,” the article notes.

“Recall that before last November, while he was the president of the Supreme Judicial Council, he initiated the dismissal of several judges. The dismissed judges have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights, challenging the legality of Andreasian's actions. Now, as the representative of Armenia on international legal issues, it is precisely Andreasian who must present and defend Armenia's position within the framework of these same cases.

This situation is viewed not only in legal terms but also in ethical ones. It has created a scenario where the decisions made by a former official, which have been at least partially recognized as unlawful in international forums, he is now obliged to defend himself.

This legal situation is already being categorized as a 'conflict of interest'. Drmeyan was dismissed because he had dared to advise the HERC Commission that the arbitral decision concerning the HPP should be implemented. Nikol Pashinyan stated: ‘The government is I; anyone who disagrees with me must either leave or I will dismiss them.’ As a result, he dismissed Drmeyan and several other employees from their positions,” the article concludes.