Armenian president announces new phase in drafting constitutional reform

YEREVAN, March 13. / ARKA /. Armenian president Serzh Sargsyan met Friday with members of a specialized commission engaged in drafting the constitutional amendments which should secure transition of the country to a parliamentary republic.

Prior to today’s meeting Sargsyan held a series of meetings with top members of the leading parliamentary and extra-parliamentary parties to discuss the concept of constitutional amendments. In his remarks at today’s meeting he said he himself had examined thoroughly the draft concept and a relating positive conclusion of the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe, 

Sargsyan was quoted as saying by his press service that he continues to believe that constitutional reforms in Armenia are really important and that they can be implemented only with broad consensus within the society.

"Of course, the concept is a progressive document, the implementation of which may indeed provide new opportunities for further democratic development of the country. This is why I would like to praise you for the job you have done," he said.

The president described the arguments in favor of transiting to a parliamentary form of government as ‘weighty,’ saying that the Venice Commission also considers that parliamentary system of government can strengthen democracy in Armenia.

He said his meetings with political forces show that there are differing approaches to this matter, which is ‘natural.’

‘There are arguments both 'for' and 'against', there are also forces that consider their participation in this process to be important for their final decision, and the number of such forces is by far larger,” he said.

The president also expressed concern over the absence of a clear idea on how the proposed model will unconditionally guarantee the two most important components: the country’s external and internal security and stability of the government system, which, in his opinion, is ensured in conditions of the current model.”

“Nevertheless, I will give political approval to the concept because I believe that we must use every opportunity to ensure a positive development for our state, especially that during my meetings no political party had any objection to the approval of the concept. At the same time, I ask you to draft such constitutional regulations that will unquestionably ensure the harmonious combination of a more democratic model of governance with the security and stability of the state,” Sargsyan was quoted as saying.

Sargsyan also stressed that in preparing the text of the constitutional changes the commission must develop an “effective format for professional discussions with representatives of political parties.” 

After the concept is approved by the president of the country, the commission will have ten months for drafting the amendments and submitting them to the head of state.

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-