Armenia to develop law to test MPs and officials for drug use

YEREVAN, October 18. /ARKA/. During a meeting of the standing parliamentary committee on state and legal issues, a discussion was held on the draft law to check law enforcement officers for drug use. 

Deputies from both the opposition and the government came to the common conclusion that it is necessary to tighten control in state structures regarding the use of prohibited substances and there should be zero tolerance for this phenomenon.

In particular, Arpi Davoyan, a member of parliament from the ruling Civil Contract’ faction, noted that members of parliament must demonstrate their commitment to the fight against drugs by personal example and be the first to undergo checks.

"If we have to start with us, we should start with us. It is possible that there will be another additional draft law  that will also concern MPs in order to give the right message to the public," said Artsvik Minasyan, a deputy from Hayastan (Armenia) faction.

During the discussions, the question of checking other senior officials was also raised. As a result, the committee came to the conclusion to form a working group that would determine the circle of persons who would have to undergo checks. -0-