ONSTITUTIONAL
AMENDMENT"- the NA deputy chairman Tigran Torosian says.- Mr. Torosian,
the Commission of Venice had to send the progress conclusion about constitutional
amendments yesterday, how is it and if the Venetians are satisfied with the solutions
sent by the coalition?- The previous day at the end of the working day there
was a phone conversation with the representatives of the Commission of Venice
where more precise definitions were given. The document is rather difficult and
there are some problems in translation. After definitions and elucidations we
agreed that the commission would take it into consideration. A great work has
been done indeed, and there are satisfied answers to all questions asked in 23-24
of June. It is mentioned in the record of the Commission of Venice that the commission
welcomed the done work and hoped that the referendum would have a great success
after second reading.- Round what principle issues were the members of the
Commission of Venice interested in during the phone conversation?- There weren’t
such questions there were simply some elucidations. And we must take into consideration
that I can’t myself take decisions about principle issues, the author of the project
is the coalition and we must take a unified decision. The definitions and elucidations
had more substantial than principle meaning. I hope the conclusion will be positive
and especially after definitions there won’t be any need in making new amendments.-
Accusations were sounded to your address as if you have concentrated your attention
at the proposals of Venice and don’t take into consideration the proposals of
our deputies. In particularly Arshak Sadoyan says that you haven’t taken his proposals
into consideration.- First of all I think that Mr. Sadoyan hurries because
it will be known when the project is produced to the second reading in 29 of August.
The Commission of Venice is the European most authoritative specialized institution
and I want to remind that our partners from the opposition have declared for many
times that if their demands are satisfied, that institution affirms that the project
of constitutional changes correspondent to the European standards then the part
of the opposition is ready to return and discuss it.- So, do you admit that
the Commission of Venice is the current "politburo" for us as everybody
waits for its words?- I don’t agree, the Commission of Venice isn’t a "politburo"
because if anybody didn’t realize the decisions of politburo in the Soviet period
it is clear where he will find himself. The Commission of Venice offers proposals
and each country decides itself to adopt it or not. Armenia isn’t the only one;
almost all countries of transitional period have worked with the Commission of
Venice. By the way almost same formulations were repeated in those countries.
The meaning of constitutional amendments often isn’t realized connected with the
further developments. This is the problem number one in the political life of
Armenia and the future of Armenia depends on the quality of this document and
if it is adopted in case of good quality. If it is adopted the wide possibilities
can be opened towards our country. It is spoken about revolution or constitution
themes in these days. I think the most reasonable revolution is the radical constitutional
amendments.- One of the accusations addressed to you is that you want to become
the father of the new Constitution for that reason you keep everything in secret.-
I think the opinions of separate people aren’t important. My activities are in
front of everybody. I know a thing that the constitutional amendments have exclusive
importance in providing for the complete future for Armenia. Everything has been
done to satisfy the project of our constitution both everybody and the international
authoritarian institutions. I have made efforts for it using all my potential
and relations and I haven’t asked remuneration for it. I hope this process will
be solved positively, I think the positive solution of the work is the best remuneration.Interview
Margaret Yesayan