At December 23 press conference NA Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan first thanked all journalists, who worked in the National Assembly in 2005 and covered the NA works, displaying adherence to principality, unbiased attitude and contributed to the whole coverage of the parliament activity.

Then the NA Speaker said:

“During our today’s meeting I would like to elaborate upon the parliament activity in 2005 in three directions: legislative, political and international.

With regards to legislative activity: the National Assembly adopted 223 laws, ratified 61 international treaties, also adopted 70 normative decisions, i.e. the legislative activity of the parliament can be evaluated satisfactory, a great number of laws are adopted, decisions are ratified, which enabled us to regulate the public relations, which need to be regulated by law. I would like to especially specify the social bills, in particular, the return of the deposits, social allowances, state concern envisaged for social incapability, and lump-sum grant displayed by the state to the newly born in each family. In the sphere of education we adopted rather important laws on pre-school education, with which we put an end, in fact, to the disgraceful process of privatization of the kindergartens in Armenia. You know, that in the republic during 15 years 1/3 of the pre-school buildings in the republic were simply sold. By the adoption of this law, the sale of the buildings of the educational institutions is banned not only by law but the legal bases of the pre-school education are defined. I find important the adoption of the law on post-graduate education. In the health care sphere we initiated to adopt the basic law on Health Care.

In the political aspect the adoption of the constitutional reforms draft and the Electoral Code is important.

The international activity of the parliament has also been rather active, during this year we established new relations with the parliaments of 30 countries. It means that we have a great number of friends with whom we can discuss and resolve problems concerning our nation, our country in different structures. We also managed to mark the 15^th anniversary of the parliament where delegations from several dozens of countries and international organizations participated, and this also promoted to root the Institute of parliamentarism in Armenia, achieve new international relations and could serve them for our national interests.

The third is the political activity of the parliament: in 2005 the opposition returned to the National Assembly, you know after long-lasting boycott, and I find very important that the opposition participates today in the law-making process of the parliament.

In 2005 more than 20 parliamentary hearings were organized in NA, the most various problems concerning our people were discussed. Ro recap the 2005 NA activity, I don’t want to make you tired, I’ll address in more detail in 2006 February session. I can evaluate the NA activity satisfactory, of course, and I can expect better results. The NA is a political body, and naturally, if the level of political tolerance is higher, undoubtedly, we’ll higher results, though I repeat that in the aspect of legislative, political and international activity these three functions are before NA, and we could to provide normal indices.

The NA Speaker Artur Baghdasaryan answered the journalists’ questions:

Tekeyan Centre: “Mr. Baghdasaryan during the last session you said that you received numerous complaints on the violations of constitutional reforms and you’re going to submit them to the RA Prosecutor General. A few days ago the RA Prosecutor General said that in your submitted letter nothing is written on any case or fact, it’s simply an analysis of all facts in the press, TV and it’s not considered as a violation. How do you accept that expression and have you really got those facts?”

“First, I would especially propose the journalists, who work in the professional field, to have the right quotations from the politicians’ words. That’s very important, we’re entering into pre-election year and simply I propose to quote the words that have been said. First, I haven’t said that I’ve been given facts I’ve implored everybody, if you have any facts, which stemming from this and that consideration you don’t want to present, I’m ready to present them, and I’ve presented more than hundreds of such facts and not to comment now what the RA Prosecutor General has said, I’ll remind that the NA Public Relations Department spread a letter that I’ve sent to the Prosecutor General, and everybody can read and see what’s written there. I sent a letter prescribed by law, and when I receive the answer, I’ll present you.

Public Radio: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, how do your refer to the fact that during the last five days the two parties of the coalition declare about the inner-coalition re-formations, negotiations, rearrangements and similar developments? Politician Aghasi Yenokyan had predicted that in the next coalition government OEK/Country of Laws won’t be, and certainly some oligarchic party opposition leader will replace it.”

“First, in connection with coalition: in Armenia, unfortunately, often they begin taking revenge before you manage to offend somebody. I compared the coalition with a marriage, where the jealousy is stronger than love. I’ll say that in coalition there are no disagreements, no misreading, it’s not like that. If it were like that we would be one party, not three parties. I think that till now the coalition could solve the problems put before it, irrespective of some disagreements on certain political or any problems, we managed to find solutions, which ensured the stability and development of the country. As of what would happen in the future, I don’t want to make any predictions, but I think that in 2006 serious political discussion will take place within the coalition on the problems of our future stance and principles because the year 2007 is a year of elections, and I think in 2006 there is a necessity to discuss together how we will work in the future. I think that it’s a normal, ordinary working process, and the year 2006 envisages clarifications of certain stances connected with that process. As to Mr. Yenokyan’s predictions, I’m not familiar with those predictions and I’ve decided from now on to get familiarized with it literally, what that man has said. I won’t make any comments because very often they say that this man has said this, then you read and see that man hasn’t said such thing: the words and sentences can be easily changed. With regards to OEK, I can simply say that OEK today is one of the disciplined political forces of Armenia, which is known not only in Armenia, but also abroad, it’s known to adhere to principality, consistency and today thousands of people are in OEK, and we have dozens of thousands of supporters, and you know that, according to official data, it’s the biggest political organization of Armenia. Naturally, there will be struggle, and all of us should be ready for that.”

Haykakan Zhamanak (Armenian Time) daily: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, in the Congress of the Republican Party the deputy Chairman of the party literally said that from now on the Republican Party will be the dictator and creator of atmosphere in the coalition and parliament. Do you know who was disturbing them to show their majority and to be both in the coalition and parliament?”

“You know you can address that question to the man who made that speech. I would like to repeat again that I’m not familiar with the literal emphases of that speech, I can say instead of our party: OEK is very active in the National Assembly, and from now on will continue its active persistent activity. And who decided to show additional activity, to work better in the National Assembly, we can only welcome it.”

Aravot (Morning) daily: “It’s already obvious that in 2006, in pre-election year, serious rearrangements will be in the political field of Armenia, a number of new political forces presented a claim to play a serious role. How do you refer to those rearrangements? In 2007 with whom will go OEK to parliamentary elections, separate or with alliance?”

“I’m against any artificial process, i.e. to create artificially any structures or artificially impede the establishment of the structures, I don’t consider exact activity. We, politicians, have our way, our kind, our programme, and our approaches. We present, and the society makes the choice. I think that in the political field the more you have political clarifications the more useful it is. I’m for public, and not shady activities, including in the political arena. I also do not only exclude, but consider in 2006 possible political re-alignments, political cooperation within the power or opposition field: nothing is excluded, and one should refer to it calmly. I also do not only exclude political realignments in 2006, but consider it necessary and possible, as well as the political collaboration within the government or opposition: nothing is excluded and one should approach such issues calmly. In my opinion such re-groupings may occur in mid-2006, that is to say the closer the elections those intentions will become apparent. As to OEK party, we don’t have ant decision on such most important political problem, and I don’t think that anybody can make decision one and a half year ago. It will decide the congress of the party, emanating from the political situation, as well as the political weight, that will have the political organization in the country.”

Mediamax agency: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, this year you initiated the establishment of the South Caucasus Inter-parliamentary Assembly. Is there any move in this aspect and in your view won’t that structure eventually repeat the destiny of the Transcaucasus Seim?”

“Our efforts already have certain success. From January 2007 the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly of South Caucasus three countries, Armenia, Georgia, Azerbaijan, which, I think, can be an important factor for the discussion and solution of the problems of our region. I consider very important the creation of that mechanism, I don’t want to identify to any other structures, as it’s not right to put labels to the unborn child. We should wait and see. It’s obvious that today in Georgia-Armenia-Azerbaijan relations, mildly said, numerous problems are waiting for specification, and it’s very good that a relevant mechanism is created or such a mechanism can be created, where those problems, eventually, can be solved. As in the home political arena of Armenia, in the political stance too we should understand that political consent, political dialogue gives opportunity to find effective solutions.”

Ayb-Fe: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, recently during the RPA Congress in response to our question the Prime Minister answered, “I don’t know for what reason Artur Baghdasaryan made a separate statement on referendum as three of us signed under one statement, where the same estimations were containing.
I would like to know your estimation. OEK is ready for competition with “prosperous Armenia,” where, according to the organizers, serious forces will fight. Are you ready to fight with Serge Sargsyan during presidential elections, which, according to the journal “Economist,” is the most probable candidate for the President?”

“I didn’t make any statement, I had an interview, where I expressed my public stance and I did the right thing and I hold my conviction. Before the referendum I also gave interview, expressed my public stance, said “yes,” the constitutional reforms are necessary for Armenia, but those who do disservice to it, are not necessary for our country at all. I’ve promised if there will be such revelations, the first will be me, and I’ve said about that I don’t see anything bad. Regarding again the political difficulties or complications, generally, difficult circumstances divide the weak, unite the strong, I am for peaceful political competition, and let each political force try to enjoy the people’s confidence within the limits of that political competition. I can say that OEK political force today is organized, and is ready to participate in the elections and have good results, if, of course, people trust us. I think that there is trust, simply we’ll have to work, as much we work, so many problems will be solved for our country and people, so much the better.”

Ambion (Tribune): “Mr. Baghdasaryan, how do you refer to the news that in foreign press such articles appear while paying big sums? In your view, what was a political scandal of 2005?”

“In connection with the presidential elections I can say one thing that the people will elect the candidate, whom they will defend, and to make conclusions from today to make any conclusions, moreover when there are no public stances on this issue, I don’t want to get into the field of any commentaries, as they say everything will come in its time, and everybody will his/her distinct political and civil stance. Until presidential elections there are parliamentary elections, so as they say everything in its time, and don’t cross the bridge before you come to it.”

Azg daily: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, Sabina Freiser announced that Armenia agrees to refuse withdrawing the troops from the occupied territories not making a precondition the clarification of Karabakh status. What’s your attitude?”

“Everybody knows that the process of Nagorno Karabakh problem settlement is at active negotiation stage, and sufficient information has already been given at official level. The co-chairmen have already visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, there have been meetings with the Presidents of Armenia, Azerbaijan, even – Karabakh, and the clear, public, official stances are on the arena. I would like to suggest getting limited with these stances because I don’t like to make conclusions around the things not done. It’s obvious for everybody that the Karabakh problem should be solved, really, taking into account the interests of two nations, and that should not be on the account of the national dignity of any nation. That is my stance of principle because we can bring the horse to the waterfall but we can’t make it drink water. We can’t but take into account the problems of the security of Nagorno Karabakh people. We should not comment every speech, every expertise stance, in which right, wrong, justified and not justified stances can be. This is my opinion, the direct process is at a rather gentle stage, and one shouldn’t disturb with dangerous statements.”

Liberty Radio station: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, while leaving for Ukraine your plane reached its place with great difficulty. One of the Armenian periodicals wrote that there have been cases of poisoning with you, and there have been an attempt on your life. What do you think, do the news correspond to the reality, and how will you comment? Will you propose your candidacy in 2007 presidential elections?”

“First, I’ve already answered your second question: everything in its time when there will be distinct political stances or viewpoints. And what took place I don’t want to speak about. I don’t want to make other considerations, we had a lot of journalists with us, everybody has seen, everybody knows. I abstain from saying anything because much was spoken about this.”

“Zhamanak” (Time): Mr. Baghdasaryan, how do you evaluate this stage of the opposition’s struggle. Do the rearrangements in coalition also mean change of NA Speaker?

“Of course, it doesn’t mean. I don’t hold on to my post, and today I imagine with difficulty the NA full activity without “Orinats Yerkir” faction. I think we should more think to make the most important reforms, in particular, conditioned by new changes. If you read attentively, make analysis, and you’ll see that there are serious political changes there. I would like to say that the next parliamentary elections will take place two months ago, not on May 30, but at the first days of April. It means that when we come in February to National Assembly, start our activity, and just after one year there are already elections. You, as experienced people working on the political arena, you know better than me that hundred days before elections the process already starts: the campaign, the manifestations of nomination and registration. Very little time remains, and we should try to work, so we can make serious legislative reforms during that period. I would like to bring an example, so it will be clearer for you, I would like to present a mechanism of an interesting fake, which results in a necessity of new legislative amendment. Let’s suppose an x person sits at Arabkir polling station and checks the passports, a person comes from Shengavit community, in whose passport a note is made, the commission member, seeing that it’s written Shengavit in the passport, but that person has come from Arabkir, and as there is the note, it gives that person to vote. You imagine that 100 people go and vote from the same place with that note. What shows the story is: how important is the relevant amendment in the Electoral Code by Central Electoral Commission that first the passport is considered an electoral document, so the proxy or the commission member can check whether the citizen is a resident of Arabkir or Shengavit community. From the first glance it’s a trifle but how important is to create this right legal base for organizing and avoiding further speculations. Today, it’s written that the proxy has the right to check the electoral documents, the passport isn’t considered an electoral document: it means, let’s say that a group of 100 people can vote in 200 electoral districts of Yerevan, we’ll have 30.000 votes. I would like to say that a serious preparatory work will be done to solve these problems, so a sufficient legislative base will be created. Each political organization: opposition or power makes decision on its own for fighting tactics and strategy, and you see that today in the opposition field interesting processes of rearrangements take place, and there are common positions or differences in the opposition. I would like to agree with the viewpoint that the year 2006 will be a year of political clarifications, clarifications of positions. In this aspect it will be clear who will appear where and with what approaches.”

“Armenia” TV Company: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, according to our information, France has awarded you a new medal. Does that information correspond to the reality and what do they award you for?”

“Simply, the medal received from Jean-Louis Debre, President of the National Assembly of France is connected with the 15^th anniversary of the National Assembly.”

Hayastani Hanrapetutiun (Republic of Armenia): “Mr. Baghdasaryan, returning to the referendum, everybody speaks about the necessity of punishing those, who rigged but it seems to be, your coalition friends don’t take any measures in that direction. Are you going to punish your party members, who have been members of electoral commissions and have witnessed the riggings that you’ve addressed the Prosecutor General in your letter?”

“We, as a political organization, tried to strengthen the legality as we could. Where there have been violations and facts, I’ve sent the materials of those facts and violations. We should make serious deep analyses, so we won’t say before the next elections or after them: it will be rigged. Beginning from 1995 before all elections it has been said that the elections will be rigged. I don’t know who has benefit from it, we should be able to create such an atmosphere, so normal elections will be held. Eventually, we should be aware that a simple thing is needed for the victory of evil that good people won’t do anything. Let’s fight together, I fought as much as I could, the mass media or certain journalists have fought as much as they could. We aren’t law enforcement bodies, so we could seize and punish. It will be better that in Armenia every person will be involved in its work: the politicians with politics, the journalists – with journalism, the law enforcement bodies – with disclosure of crimes. As soon everybody gets involved with his/her work, so faster we’ll reach our refuge.”

Ar TV Company: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, in your view, does the increase in gas tariffs by Russia correspond to the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership?”

“Hope dies last. I am hopeful that the strategic partnership between Armenia and Russia will keep its practical direction, and about the gas tariffs some solutions will be found. Otherwise, for me as a politician it would be very difficult to answer questions from our compatriots as to how can we explain the Armenian-Russian strategic partnership when there are such increases in gas tariffs? There might also be other questions. For example, ‘Why don’t we expect any financial compensation for the deployment of Russian military bases in Armenia? There could be other questions too and one should answer those questions clearly. I look forward and think that those negotiations will necessarily have a positive solution because the relations and partnership that are between Armenia and Russia, I don’t think that with such approaches it’s worth to endanger that partnership and friendship. I’m an optimist, and I think that some positive solutions will be certainly found because the increase in gas tariffs, how much it refers to CIS all countries, you know the social-economic situation created in Armenia will be rather concerning for our people. It will result in increase in gas tariffs, which I don’t consider right, and friendly Russia expects relevant steps and actions to make, so in Armenia right public response will take place, otherwise, I don’t exclude different kinds of negative emotions, and distinct answers should also be given to distinctly formulated questions, but I repeat once again that I’m an optimist and I find that we’ll certainly have productive solutions.”

Lragir electronic newspaper: “Mr. Baghdasaryan, what expectations do you have from the New Year?”

“I want in 2006 truth be more firmly founded in Armenia. There is more powerful weapon than fraud that is truth; there is more powerful weapon than evil that is kindness. I wish in 2006 Santa Claus to bring us kindness, tolerance, well-meaning feelings of mutual support. Let it bring us intolerance towards evil, corruption, bribery, burglary and vicious manifestations of mutual hatred. In 2006 I also wish optimism to everyone; the world belongs to optimists, the pessimists are merely viewers in this world, they either watch or gossip. I think 2006 will be an important year for Armenia. God likes Holy Trinity; the years 2006, 2007 and 2008 in the long-term will be of a rather decisive significance for our country. With the help of God let us live those years in peace, tolerance, in victory of kindness, beauty and truth.”