The
NA deputy chairman Tigran Torosian records- Both the deputy
chairman of the OSCE Yerevan office Elein Konkevich and oppositionists complain
that the position of holding meetings in front of the President’s residence didn’t
removed from the law "About the order of holding meetings, demonstrations
and processions." Is it so principal question?- The OSCE Yerevan Office
doesn’t have expert functions on the occasion of the law project and Mrs. Konkevich’s
declarations are amusing on this occasion. When we were discussing all questions
with the experts in May we found joint solutions which were sent to the OSCE and
the commission of Venice. I have their interpretation, not /the conclusion/ on
the project where some suggestions have been done on some points. I also want
to underline that these are new suggestions which have already been taken into
consideration in the document adopted by the first reading. – Anyway the head
of "Democracy" public organization Vardan Poghosian has already mentioned
that the commission of Venice is preparing a strong appraisal on the amendments
of this law.- I don’t accept such declarations at all and it is too surprising
for me that a man whom I respect has made such an affirmation. . But this is only
a declaration with political implication and that’s all. When the conclusion is
ready we’ll discuss it.- Obviously you were also dissatisfied with the discussions
of the first reading.- Irrespective of everything the demands of the regulations
must be fulfilled and the discussion of issues must correspond to the demands
of that law.- Is the NA regulation broken in these discussions?- It was
about to be broken but we made efforts in keeping the general demands of the regulation.-
Don’t you agree that the involvement of judges in the electoral commissions opposes
to the 98th article of the Constitution?- The experts have also suggested
involving the judges in the commissions. And in case of doing corresponding formulations
I think no problem will appear.- Do you agree with the marks that removing
the point of signing on the ballots by three members of the commission is simply
a regress?- Unfortunately the discussions with the experts didn’t pass effectively.
And there was a moment when confusion began, perforated ballots, envelopes and
principles of electronic voting were used. The only problem is to make all political
powers to understand that the recurrent elections of Armenia must satisfy all
criteria. If it is realized it is possible to hold fair elections. But if that
necessity isn’t realized the elections won’t be successful whatever amendments
are made.Interview by Anna Israelian