Armenia’s State Security Service to become accountable to PM

Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan has said that the State Security Service is to be separated from the National Security Service system and placed under the direct authority of the prime minister.

He made the remarks at an Armenian government meeting on November 24, Caliber.Az reports quoting Armenian media.

"The State Security Service will continue functioning as a separate body of the state administration system, which will report to the Prime Minister," Grigoryan said.

The changes are taking place as part of global security reform, he also explained.

In the past, Grigoryan recalled, the head of state (represented by the President) was provided with lifelong protection by the State Security Service. Now, according to the amendments, the president will be provided with protection for another seven years from the moment he leaves office. As for the prime minister, his security will be provided at the state's expense for 10 years from the moment he leaves office.

For his part, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan noted that protection could be provided for a longer period, should such a need arise.

"We have discussed a lot whether such changes are necessary and have come to the conclusion that we will allow the NSS to concentrate on its immediate functions," Pashinyan said.

He said that the National Security Service should deal with three main directions - counter-intelligence, fight against terrorism and protection of constitutional order.

The draft law was prepared by the Armenian Prime Minister's Office. The substantiation of the draft law notes that the State Security Service has a certain independence, which is reflected in the peculiarities and specificities of its work, in the implementation of which the Service needs the National Security Service support in certain cases, but the realization of which is not conditioned by the National Security Service direct involvement.

This assistance can be provided to the full extent necessary through interaction between governmental bodies.