Armenian premier discusses local election with members of communities

Public Television of Armenia, Yerevan
12 Aug 05

[Presenter] Armenian Prime Minister Andranik Markaryan received
representatives of the Council of communities today. The meeting
discussed issues on the active participation of the Council of
communities in the process of constitutional amendments and
forthcoming election of local government bodies.

The Armenian prime minister welcomed the initiative of the Council of
communities in these two important issues and expressed his readiness
to discuss all problems and concerns of the heads of
communities. Touching on the decision to accept Yerevan as a
community, the prime minister pointed out that the issues concerning
the capital, including the law on Yerevan, will be discussed at the
National Assembly, where the representatives of the Council of
communities will also take part.

Speaking about the election of the local government bodies, Markaryan
said that it can play a role as the base for the forthcoming
presidential and parliamentary elections. The prime minister assured
that he will be make every efforts to protect parties running in the
election and conduct it in line with the democratic standards.

[Markaryan] During the election, the party affiliation should not be
significant with regard to the heads of the communities. Every elected
head of the community has to work with authorities irrespective of
their party affiliation, and party affiliation should not be
prioritized during the election and impact this process. I will also
try that members of my party are elected, but not at all costs. This
should be only within the framework of law.

[Video showed the meeting]

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress