Remuneration system for First Secretaries of Armenian Embassies to be  improved

ArmInfo.  The remuneration system for First Secretaries of Armenian Embassies will be improved. At an  extraordinary session of the National Assembly of the Republic of  Armenia on May 11, amendments to the Law "On Diplomatic Service" and  related documents will be discussed in the first reading.

In his speech, RA Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan noted that the  presented package is aimed at resolving problems arising from today's  realities and existing challenges. The package grants the Ministry of  Foreign Affairs the right to open diplomatic offices in countries  where there is no need for their own diplomatic missions. These  offices will be managed by an ambassador on a part-time basis. The  terms of office for ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions will  also be revised. Specifically, the maximum term of service for  ambassadors in each country will be eight years (five years of  permanent assignment and a three-year extension).

The procedure for recalling diplomats for consultations is also  regulated. Currently, this procedure is in effect de facto, but lacks  legislative codification. The package also regulates the procedure  for enrolling diplomats in the personnel reserve. An attempt is also  being made to improve the rotation process.  Specifically, after  completing their diplomatic service, employees will be required to  return to Yerevan and serve for 18 months before receiving a new  assignment. Previously, this period was 24 months. For consuls  general at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of  Armenia, this period will be 12 months instead of the current 18  months. The term of office for consuls general is limited to three  years, with the possibility of an extension for another year. The  procedure for short-term assignments is also streamlined.  The spouse  of a diplomat serving abroad will receive 100% of their salary,  rather than the current 50%.

As the minister noted, the package also improves the funding of  Armenian diplomats. Currently, the First Secretary of the RA Ministry  of Foreign Affairs can earn between 270,000 and 360,000 drams, while  the salary of a First Secretary abroad ranges from 170,000 to 190,000  drams, significantly reducing interest in this position at foreign  missions. Now, the salaries of First Secretaries will be equalized.