Armenpress

KOCHARIAN SAYS REVISED CONSTITUTION A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30, ARMENPRESS: Addressing an international conference
on constitutional issues in Yerevan today President Robert Kocharian said
the main objective of the constitutional reform process is ‘to make the
constitution a living reality,” adding also it should become accessible to
every citizen. He said law and the right have to become the axis of the
social life based on liberal values.
He praised the acting constitution saying it played a significant role in
building a sovereign Armenia and was instrumental in Armenia’s drive to
become a Council of Europe member, but added its application has revealed a
number of serious shortcomings and contradictions which hamper the country’s
further democratic advancement. Kocharian also praised the Venice Commission
of the Council of Europe that has provided a substantial support in drafting
the finalized text that will be put to a referendum at the end of November.
Kocharian said the revised constitution provides a much better balance
between the powers of the President and the Parliament, it also provides for
better recognition and protection of human rights, and a more independent
judiciary and a stronger local self-government are among other major
improvements. “This is a significant step forward in all respects,” he said.
The conference has brought constitution experts from 25 countries. On its
sidelines experts of the Council of Europe’s Venice Commission and
representatives from other international organizations held a round table
with representatives of Armenian political parties, media and civil society
on constitutional reform to discuss the proposed constitution.
The Venice Commission’s assessed positively the draft constitution, which
is shared by the European Union and the OSCE. Among the Armenian
participants were representatives of civil society and a large spectrum of
political groups, including those who oppose the referendum and who are not
represented in the National Assembly.