Armenian PM appoints new acting director of National Security Service

Deputy Director of the National Security Service (NSS) of Armenia, Andranik Simonyan, has been appointed acting director of the NSS following the dismissal of Armen Abazyan, according to a decision signed by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on June 18.

Simonyan will temporarily assume leadership of the country’s top security agency. His appointment comes after several years of reported ambition for the post. Prior to joining the NSS, Simonyan served as a judge and was known for testifying against former Supreme Judicial Council chairman Ruben Vardazaryan — testimony that ultimately contributed to Vardazaryan’s removal from office,. Caliber.Az reprts via Armenian media. 

According to the report, Simonyan has acted as an informal intermediary for the prime minister in judicial matters, with Pashinyan reportedly cross-checking information provided by Abazyan through Simonyan.

Armen Abazyan had led the NSS since his appointment in November 2020.

By Sabina Mammadli