On 31 May, Armenia’s former Foreign Minister Ara Ayvazyan unveiled the reasons for his resignation from the post (Caucasus Watch reported) stating that he could not work against Armenia’s national interest.

“The reason for my decision to resign was to make sure that there are never any suspicions that this ministry could take some steps or agree to some ideas, initiatives going against our statehood and national interests,” he said. “In general, diplomats are perceived as conformist and adaptable individuals keen to avoid conflicts,” he said. “I believe that in these difficult times we do not have a right to do that, and I am confident that there will be principled diplomats among us who will become role models for our society,” he emphasised.

Ayvazyan also stated that during this period his team did the utmost and now the international partners understood that Armenia and Armenians were not defeated. “Our enemies understood it too. And it is less important that during these alarming days we have become the structure perceivable for our people, [more have listened to our voice], and we acquired trust of our people,” he said, expressing gratitude to the staff for the carried out work. Ayvazyan’s deputy Gagik Ghalachyan, as well as the spokesperson of the MFA Anna Naghdalyan also submitted their resignations. 

The spokesperson of Armenia’s acting Prime Minister (Nikol Pashinyan) Mane Gevorgyan responded to Ayvazyan’s statements. “We express gratitude to Mr Ayvazyan for the carried out work, nevertheless, we believe that our state and national interest obliges Mr Ayvazyan to publicly reveal who, when, where and how is going to take a step or make decision which contradicts our country’s state and national interest,” the reply read.