Armenia declines to reappoint ambassador to Belarus amid growing diplomatic rift

Yerevan has confirmed that it has no intention of returning its ambassador, Razmik Khumaryan, to Minsk following his recall for consultations in June 2024. 

Khumaryan has not resumed his post in Belarus since that time, Caliber.Az reports citing Armenian media.

The decision comes amidst deteriorating diplomatic relations between Armenia and Belarus. Tensions escalated after Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko made controversial remarks regarding the outcome of the 2020 Karabakh conflict, which Armenia viewed as a tacit admission of Belarus' support for Azerbaijan. In response, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan accused Lukashenko of providing assistance to Azerbaijan, prompting Yerevan to impose a travel ban on Armenian officials to Belarus as long as Lukashenko remains in power.

The diplomatic rift deepened in June 2024 when the foreign ministries of both countries exchanged formal notes, signaling a significant strain in bilateral relations. This was followed by further provocation in August, when Lukashenko made additional statements that exacerbated tensions. In a symbolic act of protest, the Belarusian embassy in Yerevan was targeted by demonstrators who threw tomatoes and potatoes at the building.

By Vafa Guliyeva