Ombudsperson nominee vows to become ‘bridge towards public tolerance,solidarity’, ‘free of politicization’ if elected

YEREVAN, APRIL 11, ARMENPRESS. The ruling Civil Contract party’s candidate for the vacant position of Ombudsperson has vowed to do her best to keep the institution free of politicization if elected.

Anahit Manasyan, the Deputy Prosecutor General, must pass a confirmation vote in parliament to be elected as Ombudsperson.

Speaking in parliament during the hearing, Manasyan said that the position of Ombudsperson isn’t a political one, thus the election and tenure of the Ombudsperson can’t be political either.

“The Human Rights Defender isn’t an opposition or government official, and, if elected, I will spread my entire activities and narrative by taking this into account. I will do my best to keep the institution of human rights defender completely free of any politicization. I am ready and will seek to become a bridge on the path towards public tolerance and solidarity, by protecting the human rights defender’s institution from any kind of political manipulations,” Manasyan said.

She said that her goal in the position will be the development of a proper atmosphere for respect of human rights and human dignity in an atmosphere of public tolerance with the principle of separation of powers and checks and balances.