US confirms Armenian ambassador, domestic legal questions persist

The United States has officially approved Narek Mkrtchyan, Armenia’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, as the country’s new ambassador to Washington, according to Yerevan-based Hraparak newspaper, cited by Caliber.Az.

However, the timing of Mkrtchyan’s departure to the U.S. remains unclear, and the Armenian government has reportedly expressed reservations regarding his ability to perform effectively in the diplomatic role.

The term of the current Armenian ambassador to the United States, Lilit Makunts, who was appointed in 2021, expired on August 2, 2025.

The Armenian president has not signed a decree to extend her mandate, meaning that under Armenian law, Makunts no longer formally holds the authority to represent the country.  

Despite this, Hraparak notes that, in practice, Makunts may continue her duties until her successor assumes the post, in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and standard U.S. diplomatic procedures. However, under Armenian law, her powers are considered to have expired.

By Tamilla Hasanova