ARF, Sarkisian Discuss Constitutional Reforms

YEREVAN (A.W.)—Representatives of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) met with President Serge Sarkisian to discuss the party’s proposal on constitutional reforms.

Speaking to reporters in Yerevan on March 12, the deputy of the ARF faction of the National Assembly of Armenia, Arstvik Minasyan, outlined the details of the discussions. “You are aware that the concept paper on the constitutional reforms has already been promulgated and that we have already submitted our package of proposals. There was a need to discuss those proposals before the president would make his final decision on the constitutional reforms, and the discussion did take place,” said Minasyan, adding that both sides have reached an understanding on almost all points of the proposal.

Minasyan is confident that the president will accept the party’s proposal. “We’re still discussing the roadmap and the periods in all the stages. We’ve fully agreed on the need for constitutional reforms in Armenia,” he said.

The issue of constitutional reforms was discussed in detail at the ARF’s 32nd World Congress, which took place in  Dilijan, Armenia, from Jan. 16 to 24.The declaration of the Congress established that the ARF shall pursue “the radical change of the political system of the Republic of Armenia through constitutional reforms and the pursuit of social justice.”

Sarkisian will be consulting with other political parties before releasing his position. The president has also met with representatives of the United Labor Party, the Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP), the Orinats Yerkir (Rule of Law) Party, the Free Democrats Party, and the Armenian National Movement Party to discuss the reform process.