LEGITIMACY OF THE PARLIAMENT IS IMMACULATE, PRESIDENT SAYS
Lragir.am
07-06-2007 15:14:50
On June 7 the fourth convocation of the National Assembly held the
first meeting.112 out of 131 members of parliament were present,
the factions of the Orinats Yerkir Party and the Heritage Party did
not show up. The businessman Member of Parliament Khachatur Sukiasyan
was absent as well. The meeting was chaired by the oldest member of
parliament, Republican Rafik Petrosyan.
There was tight security at the National Assembly. President Robert
Kocharyan and Prime Minister Serge Sargsyan were in the hall. The
officers of the State Service of Security were not only in the lobby
but also in the hall, led by the head of the service Gregory Sarkisyan.
Robert Kocharyan addressed the meeting. According to him, the
parliamentary election is a major step towards and contribution to
democracy and stability in the country because the "legitimacy
of the parliament is immaculate, and this is important for
sustainable, effective work. There are great expectations from
the parliament." Robert Kocharyan thinks an absolute majority was
formed, and an "interesting format was chosen which will enable
working effectively for many years." Robert Kocharyan urged to form
the leadership of the parliament, the government and adopt the
government policy as soon as possible. He also reminded that the
amended Constitution vested more powers in the National Assembly,
and a number of issues are waiting for solution – the decisions of
the government and the National Assembly. "The government cannot
stop working. I am sure there is sufficient will, professionalism and
eagerness to reach success." Among priorities the president pointed
to fair competition, the tax administration reform, as well as the
second generation of reforms in the spheres of education, science,
social affairs and culture.
Afterwards, the chair of the meeting reminded that the labor code
of Armenia is for the members of parliament as well, and the member
of parliament must come to work, especially that "a half-empty hall
makes people doubt that they elected members of parliament to make
laws. Hence, the consciousness and legal consciousness are primary."
For his part, Rafik Petrosyan pointed to anti-corruption and
anti-criminal efforts among priorities.