AZE.US
Former Armenian parliament speaker Alen Simonyan has been appointed secretary of the country’s Security Council, replacing Armen Grigoryan, who had held the position since 2018.
As reported by AZE.US, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed the appointment and dismissal orders on August 13.
Pashinyan thanked Grigoryan for his work. Speaking to reporters later, the prime minister said he had offered the outgoing official another position in his office, but Grigoryan preferred to take a break from government service.
Simonyan served as speaker of Armenia’s National Assembly from 2021 to 2026. He declined a parliamentary mandate following the latest elections and was replaced as speaker by Ruben Rubinyan.
The appointment brings Simonyan back into Armenia’s senior political leadership as Pashinyan completes the formation of his new administration.
The government also reappointed the governors of nine of Armenia’s 10 provinces: Robert Ghukasyan in Syunik, Vahagn Arsenyan in Vayots Dzor, Sedrak Tevonyan in Ararat, Sergey Movsisyan in Aragatsotn, Vahram Khachatryan in Armavir, Hayk Galumyan in Tavush, Karen Sargsyan in Gegharkunik, Davit Arushanyan in Shirak and Aren Mkrtchyan in Lori.
The governor’s position in Kotayk remains vacant.
Eduard Hakobyan retained his post as head of the State Revenue Committee, while Suren Tovmasyan and Yeghiazar Vardanyan were reappointed to lead the Cadastre Committee and Urban Development Committee, respectively.
Other changes include the appointment of Davit Tadevosyan as high-tech industry minister, replacing Mkhitar Hayrapetyan. Former Armenian ambassador to the United States Lilit Makunts has become chief of staff to the prime minister.
The replacement of Grigoryan at the Security Council is the most significant personnel change so far, while most of Armenia’s executive leadership has remained in place.
AZE.US