The parliament of Armenia voted on Tuesday a significant breakaway from its foreign policy as it decided to join the International Criminal Court, a move that furthers the Caucasian country away from its old ally Russia.
By becoming a member of the ICC, Armenia will be obliged to arrest Russian president Vladimir Putin if he sets foot in the country. Putin has been indicted for war crimes due to the deportation of children from Ukraine. However, Armenia allegedly reassured Russia that they will not arrest Putin.
A month ago, Russia had condemned the joining process that Armenia reignited, calling it an “unfriendly step.” Armenian officials said that the decision of joining the ICC is not related to Russia but rather over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict with Azerbaijan.
After years of tension a six-week war broke in 2020, with Azeri forces defeating Armenia. Russia made a deal with both countries, mandating that Armenia ceded control of parts of the Armenian-inhabited region to Azerbaijan. Russia also sent 2,000 peacekeeping troops. However, recently Azerbaijan took full control of the region. Armenia wants better investigation over accusation that Azerbaijan killed Armenian prisoners of war. To this end, Yerevan wants the ICC jurisdiction of the country to start from May 10, 2021. However, the Rome Statute that founded the organization may not allow for it.
A majority of 60 to 22 voted in favour of ratifying the Rome Statute. After the president of the country will sign off the decision, it will take 60 days before it enters in force.
