1 / 1

On October 10, at PACE Autumn Session Plenary Meeting the RA NA Deputy Speaker, the Head of the Armenian Delegation to PACE Hermine Naghdalyan delivered a final speech on the theme Constitutional Reforms in Armenia within the framework of the Progress Report.

“Ladies and Gentlemen,

During last two years Armenia stepped up a process of Constitutional reforms, which were adopted by referendum on 6 December 2015. These reforms are an important milestone for strengthening of the Armenian state and democratic institutions . As a result of the Constitutional reforms contextual and structural changes were implemented in the judicial sphere, in the governance model, in the spheres of self-government, balance of power, and the rule of law.

The whole process of the elaboration of amendments went in close cooperation with the Venice Commission of the Council of Europe .It is of the utmost importance for us that the proposed amendments have been commended in the Opinions of the Venice Commission and deemed to be corresponding to the modern European standards. Almost all recommendations of the Commission were accepted by the Armenian authorities.

The process of the reforms and the amendments themselves were also welcomed by the PACE - through its monitoring procedure and the Progress Report.

We are confindent that as a result of constitutional changes political system of Armenia will become more open, more transparent and flexible ; more responsive to the position of political opposition.

The Amended Constitution is first of all aimed at strengthening the freedoms of the citizens of Armenia consequently bringing to the enlargement of the scope of capacities and opportunities.

Colleagues,

Now we stepped up the phase when Constitutional amendments should have their proper reflection in the entire legal system of the country - new constitutional laws shall be adopted, respective changes should be made in hundreds of laws. During last months the most debated was the Electoral Code. It has been discussed under a joint format, with participation of members of the ruling coalition, opposition and the civil society – the so-called “4+4+4” format. The process of elaboration of the new Electoral Code progressed in a spirit of cooperation between all interested poltical forces; the authorities of the country aimed at building a consensus around this crucial issue - with the main goal - to raise and ensure the confidence of people. We can say that it was an exceptional collaboration directed at creating a stable and reliable base for the upcoming elections of next year . Holding of free and fair elections is the top priority of the country. And I want to say that its due course and legitimacy is much more important than the results.

In comparison I would like to make a short reference to the latest referendum of Azerbaijan on Constitutional Am en d ments that raised serious concerns of the Venice Commission, which was totally withdrawn from the process of elaboration of changes. Naturally for autocratic regimes, Amendments have been adopted by the Referendum with incredibly high figures, safeguarding Aliyev’s dynasty eternal rule.

Dear Colleagues,

People of Armenia have chosen the path of democracy and I believe that due to the reforms we will have a society where our future generations will live in prosperity and stability. Democratic reforms in the countries of the region - is the most reliable way towards peace and security. If this principle were accepted by some of our neighbors, we would have had different realities.

Thank you. ”