Participation in the Rome Statute Directly Harms Armenia-Russia Relations: Zakharova

Yerevan's participation in the Rome Statute is directly harming Armenian-Russian relations. This was stated by Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, during a press briefing.

"Yerevan's involvement in the so-called Rome Statute, amidst quasi-orders for the arrest of several Russian officials in The Hague, directly damages Armenian-Russian relations. Moreover, it is not only symbolic but also quite practical," the diplomat said.

Zakharova emphasized that while Armenia's cooperation with the ICC could have reinforced some international legal norms, that could be understood and even welcomed in some way. However, she noted that the two decades of operation of this 'fake court' suggest the opposite. "The ICC has not helped resolve any conflict it has attempted to address. Furthermore, there is no shortage of direct violations of basic standards of international law, justice, and common sense in its service record. Statements about readiness for support and cooperation only encourage this so-called court to embark on new adventures," Zakharova stated.

As Maria Zakharova announced, Armenia's accession to the ICC’s Rome Statute does not positively affect bilateral relations, forcing Yerevan to make a certain choice between the ICC's Western-imposed obligations and political dialogue with Russia within the framework of Eurasian integration.