Zhoghovurd newspaper of the Republic of Armenia (RA) writes as follows, in particular: Zhoghovurd daily was informed that on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of Armenia’s independence, the highest diplomatic rank was also awarded to the press secretary of the MFA [i.e. the Ministry of Foreign Affairs], Ani Badalyan.

By the decree of the RA President of September 16, Ani Badalyan of Misha was awarded the diplomatic rank of “envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary.” (...).

Thus, Badalyan, known to the public mainly as the MFA spokesperson, received a diplomatic rank that is among the highest by law. And this very circumstance, according to Zhoghovurd’s authorities’ sources, has become an occasion for discussions at the MFA.

According to our sources, in recent times Badalyan’s role in the ministry has expanded significantly: she is not only the official spokesperson, but also plays a key role in various foreign policy issues. In case of questions and clarifications of information in various directions, employees are often directed through Badalyan herself. Perhaps that is why the topic of discussion has also become [the fact] that Badalyan, who holds the position of spokesperson, relatively quickly received one of the highest diplomatic ranks.

Let us note that that Ani Badalyan has been working in the MFA system since 2014. (...).

Badalyan also regularly stands by [FM] Ararat Mirzoyan during his public activities as the person responsible for the ministry’s information policy.