Rubinyan says he will step down as Armenia's special envoy for normalization with Türkiye if elected parliament speaker

Armenian National Assembly Vice Speaker Ruben Rubinyan said he will no longer serve as Armenia's special envoy for the normalization of relations with Türkiye if he is elected speaker of parliament.

Rubinyan made the remarks during a briefing with journalists.

"Since I have been nominated for the position of Speaker of the National Assembly, it is obvious that if I am elected, I will no longer serve as Armenia's special representative in the negotiations with Türkiye," Rubinyan said.

Asked who could replace him in the role, Rubinyan said no decision has yet been made.

"As far as I know, it has not yet been decided who will take over. Naturally, the prime minister and the government will make that decision," the vice speaker said.

Earlier, the executive board of the ruling Civil Contract party nominated Rubinyan in a secret ballot as its candidate for speaker of Armenia's newly elected parliament. Rubinyan currently serves as vice speaker of parliament and as Armenia's special envoy for the normalization of relations with Türkiye.