Armenia appoints new ambassador to the United States

Armenian Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan has been appointed as the country’s new ambassador to the United States, replacing Lilit Makunts, Armenian media reported on Monday.

According to reports, Washington has granted agrément for Mkrtchyan’s appointment. His brother is said to be a permanent resident in the U.S.

Sarik Minasyan, head of the ruling Civil Contract party’s faction in the Gyumri Council of Elders, will take over as Minister of Labor. Earlier this year, Minasyan was the ruling party’s nominee for mayor of Gyumri but lost to Vardan Ghukasyan.

Minasyan previously headed a local branch of the Unified Social Service in Gyumri.