The referendum on constitutional changes will take place. The question whether any circumstance may turn the whole process meaningless is of theoretical nature, and we are not inclined to proceed with if options, and respond to these types of questions,” Armenia’s Minister of Justice Rustam Badasyan stated at a Q/A session in parliament.

Badasyan added that the aim of the judicial reforms is to have an independent judiciary which will take place regardless of the executive and legislative bodies as well as any foreign pressures.

The justice minister next dismissed concerns voiced by international organizations about the proposed referendum, arguing there has been no statement that would be considered as concerning. “The judicial and anti-corruption reforms underway in Armenia have widely been welcomed by international structures. Our task at this point is to show that the reforms will be continuous, and we will work along with international partners in that direction,” Badasyan stressed.

Asked to comment on the PM’s statement about readiness to meet with the judges of the Constitutional Court, Badasyan said: “The matter is about any clarification the judges need about the process or have any pressures they could communicate to the PM. The PM had no intention to question with his statement the independence of any independent body.”

To remind, the nation-wide referendum on constitutional changes will take place in Armenia on April 5. The amendments proposed by the ruling My Step bloc would replace Constitutional Court President Hrayr Tovmasyan and six other members of Armenia’s highest court.