“The process is not directly linked to any person”, – said David Harutyunyan, Chairman of State and Legal Affairs Committee, in the interview with Aravot.am, in response to our question whether published rumors meet the reality that, within the Constitutional reforms launched in Armenia, the review of qualification of ten-year residency in Armenia and citizenship defined for presidency is conducted for former and newly appointed Ambassador of Armenia to Great Britain Armen Sargsyan.
Detailing clarifications, Mr. Harutyunyan said, “They have absolutely no connection with reality. The requirement of a ten-year residency is a provision of our Constitution, and taking into account recent developments in Europe, when, in 2011, we were discussing our Electoral Code, both the Venice Commission and the OSCE ODIHR recommended us to address this issue, in response to which we stated that the matter refers to the Constitutional provision and we would address the issue. Although, Europe considers this requirement “extremely rigid”, but it does not still mean that we will necessarily accept the recommendations, taking into account the fact that such rigid requirements are also available in many European countries. The question is raised for everyone.” Talking about the terms of the reforms, the Chairman said, “In accordance with the Executive Order of the President of Armenia, the Working Group should submit its designated approaches on April, 2014, which would be followed by political debates. And only when they are over, and the concept is adopted, we’ll undertake legislative changes.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
