Armenia’s president approves constitutional reform concept
16.03.2015,
10:46
Armenia’s president Serzh Sargsyan approved on Saturday the constitutional reform concept submitted by the special commission, the presidential press office reported.
YEREVAN, March 16. /ARKA/. Armenia’s president Serzh Sargsyan approved on Saturday the constitutional reform concept submitted by the special commission, the presidential press office reported.
As per the instruction of the president, the special commission on constitutional reform shall arrange discussion with the political forces on how the approaches of the concept will be implemented and shall finalized the proposals and comments made by the political parties.
The process of constitutional reform was started in 2013 September after setting up a commission of professionals dealing with the reformation of the basic law.
The concept was described by the Council of Europe's Venice Commission as a good basis for drafting specific proposals for constitutional reforms, enabling to strengthen democratic values and create conditions necessary for ensuring rule of law and respect for human rights in Armenia.
The concept must be approved by the president of the country. Then the commission will have ten months for drafting the amendments and submit them to the head of state. Originally the constitutional referendum was to be held either in late 2015 or early 2016.
Last April 10, Sargsyan said he would never seek a new presidential term in office, saying also if the country shifts to a parliamentary republic he would not claim for the post of prime minister that will have much broader powers than the president. –0--
