Levon Zurabyan's words angered Republican lawmaker (video)
The ruling Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) has been discussing the advantages and disadvantages of the parliamentary system of government for three years, Secretary of the HHK faction Gagik Melikyan said today. “Under the new constitution the transmission to a parliamentary system will guarantee an impartial judicial system and a stable government. The rights of the parliamentary majority will be decreased,” he said. The Republican official was angered when opposition lawmaker Levon Zurabyan said ‘we should ask Russia not to force constitutional amendments in Armenia.’ “Why should other countries interfere in our affairs and care for the constitutional reform in Armenia? This is not logical,” Mr Melikyan said. In reply to A1+’s observation that regional governors promise to ensure more Yes votes in the constitutional referendum, the HHK lawmaker said, “No one has been instructed to do it officially.” In reply to the next question that a large number of people is not interested in the constitutional changes, Mr Melikyan said, “One of our tasks is to convince that segment that it is better to go to the polls and say “yes” than stay at home.” Speaking about the 2016 state budget, the Republican MP said expenditures had been cut down in all state agencies. “There will not be any increase in salaries and pensions.”
