Armenian PM Pashinyan Appoints Former Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan as Security Council Chief

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has signed official documents initiating a leadership change within the country's Security Council. According to the decrees, Armen Grigoryan has been dismissed from his post as Secretary, with Alen Simonyan appointed to take his place.

Background and Media Speculation

Prior to this appointment, Alen Simonyan served as the Speaker of the 8th convocation of the National Assembly of Armenia. Local media had been predicting these internal reshuffles for some time. Specifically, the publication "Hraparak" reported on the administration's intention not to reappoint Grigoryan. Meanwhile, "MakaryanNews" suggested that following the parliamentary elections on June 7, the former speaker, who was left without a position, might be transitioned to the Security Council.

Stance on Russian Integration Blocs

The news outlet "EADaily" recalls that in early April, Simonyan made a strong statement regarding a potential increase in natural gas tariffs by Russia. He emphasized that if such a decision were made, Yerevan might consider withdrawing from the Russian-led Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).