ARMENIA’S RULING PARTY ‘RAPING’ CONSTITUTION – OPPOSITION MP

tert.am
21.11.12

Levon Zurabyan, Chairman of the Armenian National Congress (ANC)
parliamentary group, believes the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA)
“raped” Armenia’s Constitution by boycotting the initiative to hold
a special meeting of Armenia’s parliament.

“The RPA’s step was a violation of Article 70 of Armenia’s Constitution
and shows their disrespect for the Constitution and law only to
illegally retain power,” Mr Zurabyan said.

Armenia’s parliament special session invited on the initiative of four
parliamentary groups to discuss the ANC-proposed draft amendments
to Armenia’s election law failed for lack of a quorum. By prior
arrangement, the RPA group did not appear in parliament.

If the parliamentary majority is against an issue, Article 70 of
Armenia’s Constitution has the right to invite a special meeting to
present its point of view.

“This also shows they are not ready for free and fair elections
in Armenia. So the opposition has to prepare concrete steps. The
authorities’ steps show their willingness to block any possibility
of putting an end to the hated rule,” Mr Zurabyan said.

The next step needs to be thought through. “Formally, we have to wait
until 3:00 pm. If it fails, the opposition has to prepare serious
steps because raping the Constitution in such a way is unacceptable,”
he said.

Mr Zurabyan is surprised at the ruling party’s behavior. “If they say
they are sure of themselves, their step is pointless. The boycott and
the RPA’s isolation are evidence that they do not have any popular
confidence,” he said.

As to whether the absence of Gagik Tsarukyan, Chairman of the
Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), meant his boycotting the meeting,
Mr Zurabyan said: “Has he made a statement? Turn to him.”

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress