On February 24th 2022 a great international schism occurred. Two coalitions were formed: one, composed of those who consider it normal policy to bomb, barbarically kill, pillage and rape the population of smaller neighbouring countries, and the second, comprised of those who vehemently oppose and condemn such actions. Most of the countries in the world have chosen their side, but some are still trying to wriggle out of making the hard choice.
Twice in recent months Armenia showed that as a country, it’s loyalty is not to human values, not to human rights, but to the Iranian regime.
Case number 1: during the session of the OSCE Permanent Council on February 9th 2023 the Armenian representatives felt an irresistible urgent need to “consult” instead of voting on the issue of discussing and condemning a deadly armed attack against the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Iran (which took place on January 27th).
This criminal attack left one man dead and two seriously injured. One would surmise that there is nothing to consult about: the concept of diplomatic immunity is quite ancient (also there is the new-ish Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations of 1961). But apparently, since it’s Iran that would be condemned for the deadly attack, Armenians needed to consult. It would be pure speculation to say that they went to consult with Iran, not with their own government, but if the shoe fits…
This incidentally was the second time Armenia managed to postpone justice: the discussion and condemnation were scheduled for February 2nd, but Armenian representatives blocked the process, also citing the need “to consult” on the issue. The OSCE condemnation must be unilateral and another conference on the same issue is scheduled to take place next week. Will Armenia make up her mind, would it take a bold public step towards Iran? Stay tuned.
Case number 2: during the special session of the UN Human rights council on November 19th 2022 members voted on the condemnation of Iran regime human rights abuses.
In this session Armenian representatives boldly voted against.
It seems important to point out that international human rights organisations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch urged countries to support the resolution. But Armenia ignored them all.
Armenia failed to place itself on the right side of history twice already – albeit it is certainly making sure to get some place in world history, although one would not call the aforementioned place “a place of honour”.
It consistently defends the terrorist state of Iran. What is the possible reason for doing so, to quite possibly detriment of Armenia’s standing and reputation internationally?
According to the Armenian representative (gallup.am) of GALLUP International Association, 40% of respondents in Armenia believe that Armenia can expect military-political assistance from Iran. Yerevan is trying to play both sides in tandem, but at the time Armenia’s support for Iran makes it an accomplice of the Iranian regime’s crimes.
What does Armenia hope to get from this clearly asymmetric relationship? The answer is simple: Armenia wants above all to inflict as much damage on Azerbaijan as possible. The actions of Armenian representatives on the issue of condemning the attack on Azerbaijani Embassy in Iran speak for themselves. Armenia has occupied parts of Azerbaijani sovereign territory for 3 decades already and counts on Iranian assistance to continue to do so.
But it is not just Iran – it is also its ally Russia, from which, according to the same poll, 30% of respondents expect military and political support. One cannot ignore the reports that both Tehran and Moscow used Yerevan’s Zvartnots International, a civilian airport, for transporting Iranian drones to Russia.
It is fascinating to watch how one country is ready to basically sacrifice decency and independence for revenge and fleeting hopes to occupy another country’s territory.
