ARMINFO News Agency
September 30, 2005

R. KOCHARYAN :CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS IN ARMENIA AIM TO MAKE THE
CONSTITUTION EFFECTIVE AND MAXIMUM ACCESSIBLE TO EVERY CITIZEN

YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 30. ARMINFO. Constitutional reforms in Armenia aim
to make the Constitution effective and maximum accessible to every
citizen. Armenian President Robert Kocharyan made this statement
opening the 10th Jubilee International Conference dedicated to the 10
years of the adoption of the RA Constitution and formation of the
Constitutional Court ‘The legal principles and political reality in
exercise of constitutional control’ in Yerevan. The event is
organized by combined efforts of the Armenian Constitutional Court,
CE Venice Commission and the International Constitutional
Association.

In his speech, Robert Kocharyan says Armenia has embarked on the road
of Constitutional reforms. The international experience shows how
dangerous can be Constitutional crisis. At the same time,
Constitutional reforms must be in harmony with the public processes
and stimulate them, the president says. ‘The actual Constitution had
a great part in development of democracy in the country and it’s
admission to the Council of Europe. However, in the succession of
time, it has appeared to have many serious conceptual omissions
hindering further development of democracy in the country. At
present, constitutional guarantees are required for establishment of
a legal state,’ Robert Kocharyan says. The years-long efficient work
of the relevant structures of Armenia with the CE Venice Commission
on draft constitutional amendments is nearing completion. Very soon,
draft amendments meeting international standards will submitted to
the public consideration. The draft ensures a considerable progress
in human rights protection, division and balance of the power
branches. The independence of the country’s judicial system will
considerably rise and the local self-government bodies will become
much more independent, Robert Kocharyan thinks. ‘I hope for the
discussions at the forum will sort with our reality. I have no doubts
in the deep international resonance of the conference,’ Robert
Kocharyan says.