Was Ombudsman blackmailed? Nikol Pashinyan asks questions in parliament (video)
The National Assembly today approved the composition of a temporary commission of the Audit Committee. Once again, NA Speaker Galust Sahakyan reminded that the commission is composed of four members from the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK), two from the Prosperous Armenia Party (BHK) and one candidate from two factions. Opposition lawmaker Nikol Pashinyan suggested involving members from all factions to avoid differences. For a moment there was silence. The HHK lawmaker, General Seyran Ohanyan remarked, “Why did you [Galust Sahakyan] give him [Nikol Pashinyan] a reason to speak?” The lawmakers burst out laughing. “It is my profession to make people speak,” Galust Sahakyan said joking. Pashinyan’s suggestion to involve two members from each faction was soon put to a vote but it was turned down immediately. Then the National Assembly began to debate the changes in the procedure of electing an Ombudsman. Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs, Hovhannes Sahakyan, who was the main reporter, said the new Constitution envisages a change in the order of election: if in the past, 1/5 of the MPs could nominate a candidate for the post, now the nomination has been entrusted to his Committee. Debates continue at the National Assembly
