Armenia’s Status on Ratifying the Rome Statute of the ICC
The government of Armenia has not yet reached a final decision on ratifying the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC). This development was reported by the Armenian newspaper Zhoghovurd, which has been closely following the discussions surrounding the move.
According to the report, current indications suggest that officials have not completed the decision process, and at least the executive branch has not forwarded the bill to the parliament. The article emphasizes that a formal decision is still pending, with no agreement reached on whether to advance the measure to legislative review.
Under Armenian law, the constitutional framework implies that once the Constitutional Court approves a measure, authorities typically have a three-month window to finalize approval. The article notes that Armenia’s commitments under the Rome Statute align with the country’s constitution, though the practical steps toward ratification remain a political and legal question for the moment.
Observers are also highlighting ongoing tensions between opposition factions and government lawmakers over the Rome Statute. The discord reflects broader debates about Armenia’s international legal obligations and its foreign policy orientation.
In April, statements from Speaker of the Armenian Parliament Alen Simonyan signaled that a rapid ratification would be perceived by some as a hostile move toward Russia. The comments point to the delicate balance Armenia seeks to maintain with key regional partners while considering its commitments to international justice institutions.
Meanwhile, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken a firm stance, indicating that Armenia’s plans to join the ICC charter would be unacceptable should the organization issue an order for the arrest of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This position underscores the broader geopolitical context in which Armenia weighs its legal and diplomatic options, including potential consequences for relations with Russia and other international actors. The evolving discussion continues to shape Armenia’s strategic posture as it navigates questions of accountability, sovereignty, and regional security.