Armenian parliament greenlights service to protect diplomats abroad

The Armenian parliament has formally approved amendments to the Law “On National Security Bodies” in its second and final reading, paving the way for the creation of a dedicated foreign counterintelligence service.

The newly established unit will operate under the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, taking on responsibilities that were previously divided between the NSS and the Foreign Intelligence Service, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

The legislation comes after the creation of the Foreign Intelligence Service in December 2022, when the agency was separated from the NSS. Following this division, the NSS retained authority over foreign counterintelligence functions.

The mandate of the new service will include safeguarding Armenian diplomatic missions abroad, strengthening the protection of the country’s interests internationally.

Kristine Grigoryan, former Armenian Ombudsman, currently heads the Foreign Intelligence Service, which continues to operate independently of the NSS.

By Vafa Guliyeva