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Whether Azerbaijani ambassador's threat to Balayan is real - Foreign Intelligence Service response

In response to Sputnik Armenia's inquiry, the Foreign Intelligence Service of Armenia commented on the question whether Ambassador to the EU Tigran Balayan is in real danger after threats from the Azerbaijani representative․


In early November, it became known that Azerbaijani Ambassador to Belgium Vagif Sadigov threatened Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Belgium, Head of Armenia's Mission to the EU Tigran Balayan during a reception organized by the Turkish Embassy. Armenia's Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed this information.


“The Service, within the framework of its authority, participates in assessing the security risks of Armenian officials, including diplomats, and in accordance with the results - in taking necessary measures aimed at facilitating the work of different plenipotentiary bodies,” reads the response of SVR head Kristina Grigoryan.


Sputnik Armenia asked the SVR head about the data on arms deliveries to Azerbaijan from and through Israel.


Grigoryan answered that the Service is guided by the fulfillment of its primary tasks while exercising its powers. And the intelligence data is duly submitted to the Prime Minister.


We also asked whether the process of formation of the Service and the transition to the fulfillment of its direct duties was completed. In response to this question Grigoryan noted that the Service is active and has started to exercise its powers since October 4, 2023.


At the same time, the Service fulfills the requirements necessary for its formation within the framework of the transitional provisions of the law “On Foreign Intelligence Activities and Foreign Intelligence Service”.


Recall that the Armenian Foreign Intelligence Service was established in December 2022 (part of its functions were transferred to it by the National Security Service). The new agency is headed by Kristine Grigoryan, who previously served as Armenia's Ombudsman.




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