DISINFO: Participation in the Rome Statute harms relations between Armenia and Russia
SUMMARY
Yerevan’s participation in the Rome Statute, amid quasi-arrest warrants from The Hague for Russian officials, damages Armenian-Russian relations both symbolically and practically. The Russian side’s attitude towards this “monster” is well known, including by Armenian colleagues.
If Armenia’s cooperation with the ICC could strengthen international legal norms, it might be understandable and even welcomed. However, the ICC’s two-decade history suggests otherwise. The “pseudo-court” has not resolved any conflicts it has addressed. Instead, it has numerous violations of international law, justice standards, and common sense. Statements of support and cooperation only encourage the court’s further actions.
RESPONSE
Pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative accusing the Armenian political authorities of anti-Russian policy and discrediting the ICC.
This claim was a reaction to the Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan's statement that Armenia is ready to cooperate with the International Criminal Court in upholding international legal norms and ensuring the rule of law.
The ratification of the Rome Statute is not aimed at any other country. This will ensure that any serious crime on the territory of the Republic of Armenia falls under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, acting as a deterrent for potential offenders.
Prime Minister Pashinyan stated that the decision to ratify the Rome Statute was made in Yerevan when it became clear that the CSTO and its instruments were insufficient to ensure Armenia’s security.
On 17 March 2023, the ICC issued arrest warrants for two individuals in the context of war in Ukraine: Vladimir Putin and Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova. As a result of the ICC’s decision, 123 member states are obliged to detain and transfer Putin if he sets foot on their territory, significantly limiting his ability to travel abroad.
The Rome Statute allows countries to sign bilateral agreements to ignore ICC arrest warrants. Armenia offered to sign such a deal with Russia in April 2023, but the Russian side has still not responded to the proposal.
Russia does not recognise the International Criminal Court. The accusations about the ICC being useless and a puppet in the hands of the collective West are claims made frequently by pro-Kremlin and other Russian state-controlled outlets.
Read also related cases: ICC is a sham court and tool of the Anglo-Saxons; Russia does not recognise the International Criminal Court at The Hague; The ICC is a tool used in the anti-Russian hybrid war; Secret society of paedophiles takes revenge on Putin with ICC warrant.