MARTIAL LAW ON EVERY OCCASION
Lragir, Armenia
Nov 9 2006
In Armenia, the legislation on martial law was adopted in 1992. The
government of Armenia has worked out a new bill on martial law and
presented to the National Assembly on November 9. When Member of
Parliament Victor Dallakyan saw Arthur Aghabekyan, deputy defense
minister at the hall of the National Assembly before the meeting, he
announced that the bill must be presented by the minister of defense
as the government had notified. In about two hours after starting the
meeting Tigran Torosyan informed that the government had replaced its
representative and the deputy defense minister Arthur Aghabekyan would
present the bill on martial law. Perhaps opening a water pipeline is
more important than this issue, said Victor Dallakyan.
The Republicans, the United Labor Party, the National Solidarity,
the People’s Deputy, Ardarutiun were not present, only 4 or 5 members
of parliament were present: Victor Dallakyan, Arshak Sadoyan, Manuk
Gasparyan, Speaker Tigran Torosyan. Only Victor Dallakyan discussed the
question with the representatives of the government, and stated that
the purpose of the bill is "to declare, impose martial law on various
occasions, not to hold presidential and parliamentary elections,
to restrict the activities of the citizens, political parties and
the media."
Victor Dallakyan says the provision that martial law can be imposed
when the life and security of the citizens is threatened can be
interpreted arbitrarily. For instance, "talking loudly can be defined
as a threat." Victor Dallakyan thinks that a number of points of the
bill are unconstitutional and allow for arbitrary interpretations.
The member of parliament thinks it is natural that martial law
is declared if another country shells the territory of Armenia,
but he is against imposing martial law "in case any other weapon is
used. In other words, if our neighbor shoots the gun for several times,
martial law will be imposed."
Victor Dallakyan says it is unacceptable to impose martial law
in the region of Syunik but restrict the rights of the political
parties, citizens and media all over the county. In particular,
the government proposes a provision, which allows confiscating
recorders and cameras of journalists, hold meetings, marches, search
the apartments of the citizens under martial law. The bill does not
set at least approximate timing of martial law. "In other words,
they can organize a provocation at the border and the president may
remain in office until the year 3001. Or if people in a political
party speak loudly, it may be considered as a different type activity
and the political party may be banished."
Victor Dallakyan states that the powers of the president under martial
law do not comply with the powers of the president set down in the
Constitution. The bill contains "points reminding the times of Stalin"
and in case it is adopted, "we will appear in the time of Pinechet."