Only some gave oath
The first session of the fifth National Assembly kicked off to the sounds of the RA national anthem and was moderated by deputy Mkrtich Minasyan.
In his opening speech, Serzh Sargsyan greeted the newly elected deputies, congratulated them and mentioned that they had to work in such a way to not disappoint anyone.
Serzh Sargsyan voiced hope that the newly elected deputies wouldn't limit themselves to work at the office and would be very practical.
"I am personally ready to work with everyone and we shouldn't forget why were elected and who gave us power," said Sargsyan.
Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II gave his blessing, after which Mkrtich Minasyan read the text of the oath of the deputies according to which the deputies pledge to work to fulfill their duties and serve for civil solidarity, as well as the preservation of human and universal values.
Only some deputies gave an oath.
After the oath ceremony, Serzh Sargsyan and government officials left the sessions hall. Mkrtich Minasyan read the names of the deputies under the majoritarian and proportional tickets to get acquainted.
The deputies of the Armenian National Congress (HAK) and "Heritage" Party had boycotted the first session of the NA and hadn't shown up to parliament. Nevertheless, Mkrtich Minasyan read their names, and the deputies in parliament applauded.
Through the next procedure of the National Assembly, Minasyan asked the deputies to familiarize themselves with the buttons and check if they were functioning properly. As a result, it turned out there were 111 deputies in parliament. The deputies were having a hard time using the buttons.
